Daijiworld Media Network – Phoenix

Phoenix, Aug 26: A massive wall of dust, known as a haboob, swept across metro Phoenix on Monday, plunging the city into near-darkness, disrupting power supply, and halting flights at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Triggered by collapsing thunderstorms and strong winds, the storm left around 39,000 residents without electricity, mostly in Maricopa County, officials said. Visibility dropped to barely a quarter mile, leaving motorists struggling to navigate through blinding winds and heavy rain.

More than 2 million people across Phoenix and surrounding areas were under a dust storm warning, with the National Weather Service reporting winds topping 50 mph. By 7 pm local time, the dust wall had moved north over Black Canyon City before the warning was lifted.

Dramatic visuals of the towering dust storm flooded social media, with users comparing the scenes to Hollywood movies. “This is literally a scene from The Mummy,” one user wrote while sharing footage of the desert engulfed by dust.

Meteorologist Mark O’Malley of the National Weather Service said such storms are typical during the monsoon season. “That’s typical for a monsoon, very hit and miss,” he explained.

Forecasters warned of more weather-linked disruptions in the coming days. Phoenix, unusually dry this season, faces a 40% chance of rain on Tuesday. The Arizona Department of Transportation urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, reminding them: “Don’t drive into a dust storm. If you’re on the road when one hits, PULL ASIDE, STAY ALIVE!”