This week, Arizona was hit with a massive dust storm that delayed flights and knocked out power for almost 10,000 people.
According to the National Weather Service, the blinding dust storm hit Phoenix around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The historic storm brought dangerous winds with widespread reports of near zero visibility.
According to CNN, the winds whirled up to 69 mph and stretched more than 30 miles long at one time. The Huffington Post reported that the storm reached heights of 8,000 to 10,000 feet and originated in Tucson, and came as part of Arizona’s monsoon season.
Besides knocking out power for thousands, the storm caused airport delays for one of the state’s biggest airports. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport remained closed for over an hour due to the intense storm, leaving travelers stranded.
The effects of the storm were still being felt after it passed through. According to ABC, just last night, approximately 3,000 customers were left without power, down from 9,400 earlier in the night. And around 5:45 a.m., APS said about 600 of their customers are without power in the far West Valley.
The Phoenix Haboob of July 5th, 2011 from Mike Olbinski on Vimeo.
