Massive dust storm hits Phoenix in US, causes damage, power outages

ISTANBUL

A massive dust storm engulfed parts of metro Phoenix in the US state of Arizona, followed by severe thunderstorms, causing widespread damage, downed trees, and power outages on Monday evening.

The dust storm, known meteorologically as a haboob, reduced visibility to near-zero, and 112.7 kilometers per hour (70 mph) winds tore apart a connector bridge at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, CNN reported.

As the system moved into Maricopa County Monday evening, the National Weather Service in Phoenix issued dust storm and severe thunderstorm warnings, cautioning drivers about dangerously low visibility and urging them to "pull aside (and) stay alive."

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport experienced a one-hour ground stop as a massive dust cloud approached, with delays of up to 30 minutes on Monday night, as crews checked for roof leaks and other damage, according to spokesperson Gregory Roybal.

The Phoenix haboob follows a weekend dust storm in the state of Nevada that swept through Burning Man, an annual arts festival held in Black Rock City, around 193 kilometers (120 miles) from Reno.