Towering haboob rolling by way of Phoenix leaves 1000’s powerless, causes journey chaos

An epic mud storm, often called a haboob, swept throughout the Phoenix space in Arizona on Monday, knocking out energy to 1000’s of utility prospects and inflicting journey chaos as damaging winds ripped throughout the area.

The intense state of affairs started to unfold on Monday as monsoon storms rolled throughout parts of Arizona, producing heavy rain and thunderstorms.

According to the Gilbert Police Department, the highly effective storms knocked down timber and energy traces, prompting officers to ask individuals to keep away from journey till crews might clear particles from the roadways.

“If you must travel, please drive with caution as we are working diligently to restore lights and clear roadways,” police said in a post on X.

The mud storm additionally led to journey issues at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with officers issuing a floor cease for flights arriving and departing for security.

That floor cease has since been lifted.

Dust Storm Warnings had been issued in Arizona on Monday, together with the Phoenix space, inflicting chaos on Interstate 10 as visibility shortly dropped to zero.

There had been additionally studies of harm as winds gusted to 60 mph at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and 66 mph close to East Mesa.

There had been additionally studies of a roof being torn off a dwelling close to Marana, Arizona.

Outside the mud storm, thunderstorms had been reported in Phoenix and Tucson.

Phoenix noticed its second-wettest day of 2025, however continues to be experiencing its Tenth-driest begin to any yr, whereas Tucson is experiencing its third-driest yr up to now.

Both cities’ information return to 1895.

More monsoon storms on the best way

“The Southwest? Guess what. Monsoon is in full swing,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin mentioned. “A little bit of a slow onset, but we’re feeling it. And it has been bone dry in Arizona.”

The FOX Forecast Center mentioned a ridge of excessive strain shifted towards the Four Corners area over the weekend, and a surge of monsoonal moisture has been pushing by way of the world.

The rainfall is useful as all of Arizona is in a drought.

More precipitation and thunderstorms are on the best way, and fears are rising that flash flooding might happen on account of intense rainfall charges of 1-1.5 inches an hour.

Flood-prone areas, together with in canyons and burn-scar areas, ought to stay alert to potential flooding.

In truth, NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has positioned parts of southern Arizona in a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat on Tuesday.