Dust storm moves into Valley ahead of expected overnight thunderstorms

PHOENIX — A dust storm was spotted Wednesday afternoon in the southeast Valley ahead of anticipated thunderstorms overnight.

A dust storm warning was issued for most of the Valley just after 3 p.m.

Various traffic cameras also picked up the wall of dust along the Loop 202 Santan Freeway near Power Road and the U.S. 60 in the East Valley.

Incoming storm along Loop 202, Santan, and Power.

We encourage all drivers to avoid this; however, if you’re out in it, pull off the road and wait for it to pass.

Visibility can drop to zero in seconds during a dust storm!#PullAsideStayAlive pic.twitter.com/U7siGK65FE

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) June 29, 2022

Drivers were encouraged to avoid the dust storm or those already in the area to pull off the road and wait for it to pass as visibility could drop to zero in seconds.

A view of Loop 202, South Mountain, southbound at Elliot.

Be mindful of dust in the area and remember to never drive into a dust storm.

READ MORE: https://t.co/4wAO4yCOXC#Loop202 #phxtraffic pic.twitter.com/EHXfrdkf5f

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) June 29, 2022

There was a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms forecast for mainly between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

It has been an active start to the monsoon season in the Valley, which got underway on June 15.

Parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale in the past week have received 0.79 inches of rain, according to the Maricopa County Flood Control District rain gauges, while some parts of the South Valley got more than an inch of rain.

The monsoon may take a break over the next couple of days as there was no rain forecast in the Valley for the rest of the week and through the weekend.

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