Monsoon, Dust Storm Cause Widespread Power Outages, Airport Damage Phoenix, Arizona

A powerful monsoon storm accompanied by a massive haboob dust wall swept through the Phoenix metropolitan area on August 25, causing widespread disruption and damage. The storm originated around San Tan Valley and reached downtown Phoenix within an hour, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and floods that led to downed branches, debris, and flooding of roads. More than 41,000 customers of the Salt River Project and thousands more from Arizona Public Service lost power temporarily, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport experienced leaks, structural damage, and flight delays, with operations resuming later that evening. The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory, and flight operations were briefly halted by the FAA due to thunderstorms. The storm also impacted southern Arizona areas like Marana and Red Rock, causing flooding that stranded drivers and disrupted school activities. Meteorologists forecasted continued but less severe storm chances for the following day.