The National Weather Service has issued a Dust Storm Warning for Maricopa County effective July 21 at 4:22 PM. The warning will end on July 21 at 6 PM.
At 4:51 p.m., a wall of dust was moving south at 30 mph along a line stretching from near the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station to 7 miles northeast of Cotton Center and 10 miles south of Estrella Mountain Park.
Affected locations include Goodyear, Buckeye, Palo Verde, Painted Rock Dam, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Wintersburg, Rainbow Valley, Hassayampa and Arlington.
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.
