The National Weather Service has issued a Dust Storm Warning for Maricopa County effective July 14 at 6:47 PM. The warning will end on July 14 at 9:45 PM.
At 8:37 p.m., the wall of dust was moving northwest at 25 mph along a line stretching from Canyon Lake to near Ussary Mountain Park and then to the Mesa area, the weather service said.
Visibility was expected to be less than a quarter mile with winds exceeding 40 mph. Affected areas include Interstate 10 between mile markers 99 and 149, Interstate 17 between mile markers 196 and 217, and State Route 51 between mile markers 1 and 13.
Affected areas include Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, El Mirage, Paradise Valley, Tolleson, Youngtown, Sun City West, Waddell and Laveen.
The weather service also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Maricopa County until 10:30 p.m.
At 9:40 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was reported near Desert Ridge Marketplace, moving northwest at 10 mph.
Affected areas include Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, New River, Cave Creek, Carefree and Deer Valley airports.
For the latest warnings and alerts, Weather forecast page.
“Haboobs” are common in Arizona during the monsoon season, when strong winds kick up sand and dust from June through September, causing massive dust storms across the state.
“Haboob” means “strong wind” in Arabic, explained Andrew Deamer, a meteorologist and former linguist at the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
term:When did the word “haboob” start being used to describe Arizona dust storms?
What should you do if you encounter a sandstorm while driving?
The Arizona Department of Transportation is offering helpful tips for drivers who may get caught in a dust storm while driving. The “Yield, Survive” campaign aims to get drivers out of dangerous situations by providing tips on how to survive a dust storm.
- If you encounter a sandstorm, immediately check traffic conditions around your vehicle (in front, behind and to the sides) and reduce your speed.
- Don't wait until visibility is so poor that it's difficult to safely pull off the road — get off the road as soon as you can, and if possible, get off the highway completely.
- Don't stop in a traffic or emergency lane. Find a safe place completely off the paved road.
- Turn off all vehicle lights to prevent vehicles approaching from behind from seeing your lights as a marker and hitting your parked vehicle.
- Apply the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake. Stay in the car with your seat belt fastened and wait for the storm to pass.
- Drivers of tall vehicles should pay special attention to changing weather conditions and drive at reduced speeds.
More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org and storm driving safety tips can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon
This story was produced by The Arizona Republic and the USA TODAY Network using data released by the National Weather Service. Edited by staff.
