Arizona Faces Devastating Haboob and Monsoon Storms

A haboob, a type of dust storm caused by outflowing winds from a thunderstorm, recently hit the Phoenix area, disrupting travel and causing power outages. These storms are common in arid regions and are characterized by rapid dust and debris movement, significantly reducing visibility and creating hazardous conditions. They originate from strong downdrafts in thunderstorms over dry soils, especially during drought conditions, and are most frequent in the southwestern United States.