Local sources from United States: The Guardian, yahoo.com.
UK coverage: ITVX.
A formidable haboob dust storm descended upon Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday, unleashing chaos as it significantly reduced visibility, disrupted traffic, and led to widespread power outages affecting thousands of residents. Originating from a collapsing thunderstorm, the haboob created a towering wall of dust that enveloped neighborhoods, halted flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and prompted severe thunderstorm warnings across Maricopa County. This event marks one of the more intense manifestations of Arizona’s monsoon season, known for generating such dust storms that can extend for miles and rise high into the atmosphere. The phenomenon not only caused immediate disruptions but also highlighted the potential increase in severe weather events possibly linked to climate change. Following a similar pattern, a dust storm recently impacted the Burning Man festival in Nevada, underscoring the reach and impact of these natural occurrences beyond Arizona. The Guardian reported that the dust storm caused broad disruptions, including power outages and flight delays, as heavy rain, wind, and lightning accompanied the darkened skies over Phoenix. Residents faced challenges such as driving difficulties and dust infiltrating their homes. The haboob’s impact on Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was substantial, with damage reported and flights delayed. Yahoo.com added to the account by noting that the storm resulted in over 60,000 Arizona customers losing power due to the severe weather conditions that included downed trees and wind damage. The airport faced significant disruptions, including a destroyed connector bridge caused by 70 mph wind gusts, grounding flights for an hour. The National Weather Service’s warnings complemented the Arizona Department of Transportation’s advice for drivers to ‘Pull Aside. Stay Alive,’ emphasizing the danger and unpredictability of such storms. Haboobs, while common in arid regions, particularly during the monsoon season from June to September, represent a formidable challenge to the affected communities, showcasing the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of increasing weather-related phenomena.
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