A massive dust storm swept across Phoenix on Monday evening, disrupting travel, cutting power to tens of thousands of residents, and blanketing neighborhoods in thick dust. The storm, commonly known in the region as a haboob, rolled in during the late afternoon, turning skies dark and forcing officials at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to halt flights for safety.
More than 40 flights were diverted during the disruption, according to data services. Some planes circled the skies over Arizona before rerouting to alternate airports such as Tucson and Las Vegas. Others turned back to their point of origin, only to later resume their journeys once conditions improved. British Airways Flight 289, which had already traveled nine hours from London, was forced to divert to Las Vegas before finally arriving in Phoenix four hours late. An Alaska Airlines flight from Portland faced a similar ordeal, turning back during descent and landing in Las Vegas before eventually completing its trip.
Southwest, American, and United flights also reported diversions or lengthy delays, with some aircraft returning to Los Angeles before resuming service to Phoenix. The cascading schedule changes left passengers stranded or delayed for up to five hours. Cargo traffic was also affected, including a flight from northern Mexico that returned home after being unable to land safely.
The storm brought with it more than dust. Gusting winds reaching up to 66 miles per hour were reported near Mesa, with 60 mph gusts recorded at the airport itself. The intense conditions knocked down trees and power lines across Maricopa County, leaving more than 15,000 homes and businesses in the dark. Police in Gilbert and other suburbs warned drivers to avoid travel until roads could be cleared of fallen debris.
For those caught in the storm, the experience was harrowing. Bernae Boykin Hitesman, driving her two children home from school in Arizona City, said visibility dropped so suddenly she had no choice but to pull over. “I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face if I put it outside,” she recalled. She described the wind rocking her car and dust seeping in while her children cried in fear.
Inside the airport, staff scrambled to address minor roof damage and water leaks caused by the storm’s heavy rains. “Crews have been identifying leaks and attempting to clean up water where it has collected in passenger areas,” said Heather Shelbrack, the airport’s deputy aviation director.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service explained that the storm formed as part of Arizona’s summer monsoon pattern, which brings bursts of moisture and sudden, violent weather to the desert. While Phoenix has seen less rainfall than usual this season, the system that pushed through on Monday brought one of the wettest days of the year so far to the city. Tucson also reported heavy rain, though meteorologists cautioned that drought conditions persist across much of the state and that additional storms could trigger flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
Despite the disruption and damage, many locals described the haboob as both frightening and awe-inspiring. Richard Filley, a retired professor in Gilbert, said dust penetrated his home through “every little crack and space.” Yet he noted the strange beauty of the giant wall of sand as it swept through. “They are kind of beautiful in their own way,” he said.
Officials urged residents to remain cautious, warning that more storms and potential flooding are forecast in the coming days.
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