Dust storm rolls into Phoenix area, hindering visibility for drivers

PHOENIX — A massive dust storm rolled into the Phoenix area on Thursday, hindering visibility for drivers across the Valley.

The National Weather Service issued a dust storm warning for parts of Gila, Maricopa and Pinal counties until 8 p.m. on Thursday.

A dust storm warning is in effect until 8:00 PM MST for I-10 between mile markers 105 and 164 in Arizona, I-17 between mile markers 0 and 68 in Arizona, US-60 between mile markers 0 and 168 in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/ywytxrwsn2

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 3, 2018

The dust storm was expected to cause “near zero visibility with damaging wind in excess of 60 mph.”

It could also cause “dangerous life-threatening travel.”

NOW at I-10 Wild horse Pass. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/3HBm4furgu

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) August 3, 2018

Heavy blowing dust is reported south of Phoenix and parts of the East Valley. This AZ511 camera shows the L-202 and Dobson. Please delay travel. #Phxtraffic pic.twitter.com/In04T9TMXR

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) August 3, 2018

Now the west Phoenix is getting hit. This AZ511 camera is from the I-10 and Litchfield. #Aztraffic pic.twitter.com/t1tX1VDUqu

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) August 3, 2018

The weather service advised drivers to avoid being on the road and if they were caught in a dust storm to pull off the road, turn off your lights and keep your foot off the brake.

Caught in the massive dust storm moving through the Valley? @DetourDanKTAR has some tips for you. #azwx pic.twitter.com/xHmvM9kSkv

— KTAR News (@KTAR923) August 3, 2018

So here’s the east valley dust storm…I did indeed have to pull aside. Can’t see my hand in front of me! Wow!! ⁦@KTAR923⁩ pic.twitter.com/5heKK9LmvP

— Becky Lynn (@beckylynntalks) August 3, 2018

Here it comes! pic.twitter.com/agWe9LZIBH

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 3, 2018

View of the wall of dust looking south from the I-17 and Northern area pic.twitter.com/w74jVzvaF7

— Jim Cross (@Crossfire923) August 3, 2018

This is literally across the road from the building I’m in.⁦@KTAR923⁩ pic.twitter.com/rBdGw8Hexp

— Kathy Cline (@ClineKathleen) August 3, 2018

According to FlightAware, Sky Harbor held all inbound flights at their origin until 7:30 p.m. due to the storms, but Sky Harbor officials encouraged travelers to check their flight status online.

Shortly after the dust came the rain. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Maricopa County until 8:30 p.m.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Maricopa County, AZ until 8:30 PM MST pic.twitter.com/yxFZA8Y7VE

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 3, 2018

A nice pour here in #SurpriseAZ. #staysafe #Monsoon2018 #wx @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/1EYkwKBJkf

— Martha Maurer (@MaurerMartha) August 3, 2018

According to ABC15, thousands of residents across the Valley were without power Thursday night.

Capt. Larry Subervi with the Phoenix Fire Department said crews were responding to a house fire in the area of 33rd Avenue and Ironwood. Subervi said the neighbors reported that the fire was caused by a lightning strike.

Sherine Zaya, a spokeswoman with the City of Goodyear, said in an email that residents in the Estrella community were urged to stay indoors after several large power lines were downed by the storm.

“Police and fire personnel are working to ensure safety but they ask that residents in the area to avoid being outside since some of the water puddles might be dangerous due to the downed electricity lines,” she said.

Anyone who was affected by the power outage and damaged homes could seek shelter at Estrella Foothills High School.

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