Daijiworld Media Network- Phoenix

Phoenix (US), Aug 27: A powerful storm, known as a haboob, swept across metro Phoenix on Monday evening, unleashing a towering wall of dust that plunged the region into near-darkness, disrupted travel, and left thousands of residents without electricity.

The massive dust storm forced drivers to a standstill, caused flight delays at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and knocked out power to more than 15,000 households in Maricopa County, according to PowerOutage.us.

Among those caught in the storm was Bernae Boykin Hitesman, who was driving her children, aged 9 and 11, home from school. “I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside,” she recalled. “My kids were really scared, so I was trying to be brave for them.”

The storm, which lasted about 15 minutes, rattled vehicles with strong winds and filled the air with thick dust that residents could both taste and feel. Heavy rain followed in some areas, damaging the roof of one of the airport terminals. “Crews have been identifying leaks and cleaning up water where it collected in passenger areas,” said Heather Shelbrack, Deputy Aviation Director for Public Relations at the airport.

Residents described the storm’s intensity and its aftereffects. Richard Filley, a retired professor from Gilbert, said the winds knocked bird feeders to the ground while fine dust seeped through every crack of his home. “They are spectacular natural phenomena,” he said. “Kind of beautiful in their own way, but the windstorm part — I’m glad it’s gone.”

The National Weather Service said Phoenix has experienced a drier-than-usual monsoon season this year, while other parts of Arizona have seen more rainfall. “That’s typical for a monsoon — very hit and miss,” explained meteorologist Mark O’Malley.

The forecast for Phoenix predicts a 40% chance of rain on Tuesday before conditions are expected to clear.