Massive Dust Storm Darkens Skies Over Arizona
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On August 25, 2025, parts of Arizona were briefly engulfed by a massive dust storm during the evening rush hour, turning day into near darkness. Known as a haboob, these storms form when strong thunderstorm winds sweep across the desert, lifting loose soil into the sky.
The storm originated in southern Arizona around 3:30 p.m. local time. It was at peak intensity by the time it reached the Phoenix metropolitan area two hours later. Wind gusts got up to 94 mph (152 kmh) in some areas, whipping dust and sand into the air. Visibility dropped to near zero, leaving drivers unable to see beyond their car hoods. Dozens of flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were delayed or grounded. Videos shared on social media showed landmarks, including Arizona State University’s football stadium, swallowed by a wall of brown dust.
The force of the storm also uprooted trees, damaged traffic lights, and snapped power poles. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses, primarily in Maricopa County, lost electricity. The haboob gradually weakened as it moved through north-central Arizona. The whole event lasted about an hour. Afterward, thunderstorms brought pockets of heavy rain. Some areas received up to 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) raising flash flood concerns.
The August 25 haboob was one of the most intense dust storms in recent years. Its dust cloud stretched over 50 miles (80 km) and rose up to 5,000 feet (1,524 m). However, it was not the largest in Arizona's history. That honor goes to a 2011 dust storm over Phoenix. It spanned more than 100 miles (160 km) and soared to 10,000 feet (3,048 m).
Resources: NPR.com, CNN.com, Guardian.com
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23 Comments
cockatiellvrabout 1 monththis is crazy
brooklynslaysabout 2 monthsI live in Az amazing place btw I’m not hurt it was kinda cool from my perspective
cunotykowyreabout 2 monthsum I live here in AZ not that I know of I got sick for inhaleing sand but I'm fine
gaticonevupaabout 2 monthsThis article is cool, but are they okay?! Did anyone get hurt???
urlocalcapybaraabout 2 monthsI was almost stuck in that storm that day on my way to Walmart, we almost got my sibling out tutoring early cuz it was so bad
ducky_jrabout 2 monthsThank God it isn't as bad as the dust bowl
jojahyfavoni2 monthsTHIS HAPPENED RECENTLY! DID ANYBODY GET HURT?
medicywuwotu2 monthsso cool- gonder082 monthsit so cool but it scary
fysywujyvate2 monthsI was so close to the storm, my mom almost got my brother from tutoring early