A powerful haboob swept through the Phoenix area on August 25, 2025, unleashing destructive winds that reached speeds of up to 70 mph and plunging the city into near-total darkness.
This towering wall of dust left tens of thousands without power, disrupted air travel at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and created hazardous driving conditions for residents.
As the storm raged, visibility was drastically reduced, with some witnesses reporting they could barely see their own hands in front of their faces amidst the swirling dust.
Following the storm, cleanup crews rushed to clear downed trees and restore electricity, while the community grappled with the immediate aftermath of significant property damage.
The event, part of a larger pattern of extreme monsoonal weather affecting the West, prompted heightened discussions about climate change and urban preparedness for such severe weather events.
Amidst the chaos, the scientific understanding of a haboob was brought to light, emphasizing the phenomenon's formation and the health risks associated with airborne particles from such storms.
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