PHOENIX – The monsoon season kicked into high gear on Thursday, producing 70 mph wind, lightning, heavy rainfall, hail and even a sweeping dust storm across Arizona.
Maricopa County – home to the Phoenix area – appeared to be one of the hardest-hit locations, with thousands of power outages, diverted flights and the temporary suspension of the Arizona State University football game.
WHAT IS A HABOOB?
The FOX Forecast Center says a strong to severe thunderstorm that developed just south of Phoenix likely produced winds in the range of 50-80 mph that caused a dust storm to develop. Multiple wind gusts over 65 mph were reported at Phoenix’ Sky Harbor Airport over a two-hour period Thursday night, including gusts of 71 and 73 mph.
A Dust Storm Warning was issued for parts of the metro, and the National Weather Service warned of visibilities of less than a quarter of a mile.
SOUTHWEST MONSOON SEASON IS HERE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Dust storm impacts Arizona State University (@thestephenperez / FOX Weather)
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