Towering haboob turns day into night in Phoenix as powerful winds knock out power, cause travel chaos
The intense situation began to unfold on Monday as monsoon storms rolled across portions of Arizona, producing heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Massive haboob, monsoon flooding swamps Arizona communities
Clean up efforts continue across portions of Arizona, including the Phoenix and Tempe areas, after a towering haboob and monsoon flooding swamped communities on Monday. FOX 10 Phoenix Reporter Kenzie Beach joined FOX Weather from Tempe with the latest on Aug. 26, 2025.
PHOENIX – An epic dust storm, known as a haboob, swept across the Phoenix area in Arizona on Monday, knocking out power to thousands of utility customers and causing travel chaos as damaging winds ripped across the region.
The intense situation began to unfold on Monday as monsoon storms rolled across portions of Arizona, producing heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Watch: Massive haboob turns day into night in Phoenix
A massive dust storm, known as a haboob, swept through the Phoenix area on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.
According to the Gilbert Police Department, the powerful storms knocked down trees and power lines, prompting officials to ask people to avoid travel until crews could clear debris 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.
Watch: Time-lapse video shows haboob sweeping across Tempe, Arizona
A dramatic time-lapse video shows a massive dust storm, known as a haboob, sweeping across Tempe, Arizona, on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.
The dust storm also led to travel problems at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with officials issuing a ground stop for flights arriving and departing for safety.
According to information provided by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, there were a few areas of the facility where leaking occurred due to high winds and heavy rain that impacted the area on Monday.
In addition, some flights were diverted due to the dangerous weather conditions.
Officials said contractors worked through the night to make repairs, and all systems were back to normal by Tuesday morning.
Watch: Time-lapse video shows haboob sweep across Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona
An incredible time-lapse video shows a powerful dust storm, known as a haboob, sweeping across Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.
Dust Storm Warnings were issued in Arizona on Monday, including the Phoenix area, causing chaos on Interstate 10 as visibility quickly dropped to zero.
There were also reports of damage as winds gusted to 60 mph at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and 66 mph near East Mesa. There were also reports of a roof being torn off a home near Marana, Arizona.
Outside the dust storm, thunderstorms were reported in Phoenix and Tucson.
This graphic shows the rainfall total in Arizona on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (FOX Weather)
Phoenix saw its second-wettest day of 2025 but is still experiencing its 10th-driest start to any year, while Tucson is experiencing its third-driest year to date.
Both cities' records go back to 1895.
More monsoon storms on the way
"The Southwest? Guess what. Monsoon is in full swing," FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin said. "A little bit of a slow onset, but we’re feeling it. And it has been bone dry in Arizona."
The FOX Forecast Center said a ridge of high pressure shifted toward the Four Corners region over the weekend, and a surge of monsoonal moisture has been pushing through the area.
The rainfall is beneficial as all of Arizona is in a drought.
This graphic shows the Arizona drought monitor. (FOX Weather)
More precipitation and thunderstorms are on the way, and fears are growing that flash flooding could occur due to intense rainfall rates of 1-1.5 inches an hour.
Flood-prone areas, including in canyons and burn-scar areas, should remain alert to potential flooding.
In fact, NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has placed portions of southern Arizona in a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk on Tuesday.
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