Massive Haboob Grounds Flights, Knocks Out Power for Over 40,000 in Phoenix

A colossal dust storm, known as a haboob, swept across the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area on Monday, August 25, 2025, dramatically reducing visibility, forcing a ground stop at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and leaving tens of thousands of residents without electricity. The event, which plunged parts of the city into near-darkness, underscored the powerful and disruptive nature of Arizona's monsoon season.

These towering walls of dust are a common meteorological phenomenon in the Southwest, typically forming when strong outflow winds from collapsing thunderstorms pick up dry desert soil. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Phoenix issued warnings as the storm, packing winds exceeding 40 mph, moved rapidly across the region, affecting areas along I-10 and I-17.

The haboob's impact was immediate and widespread, causing significant disruptions to daily life and infrastructure. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport experienced a ground stop for approximately an hour, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Airport officials reported damage, including shredded connector bridges and roof leaks at terminals, requiring extensive cleanup efforts. PowerOutage.us data indicated that over 40,000 customers, predominantly in Maricopa County, lost power.

Visibility plummeted to as low as 50 feet in some locations, creating extremely hazardous driving conditions. Fox News reported on social media, stating:

"Dust storm blankets everything in its path as it rolls through the Phoenix, Arizona, area." Many residents shared videos, with some online users remarking that the scene was "literally a scene from The Mummy" due to the towering wall of dust. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reiterated its "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" campaign, urging motorists to pull completely off roadways, turn off lights, and wait for conditions to improve.

While haboobs are a regular feature of Arizona's monsoon season, which runs from June to September, this particular storm brought considerable force and widespread consequences. The NWS noted that heavy rain and strong winds often accompany these dust events. Forecasters anticipate a continued chance of thunderstorms for the region in the coming days, advising residents to remain vigilant for further weather-related impacts.