WeatherFanatics: Dust Storm Warnings Issued as Haboob Sweeps Phoenix Area

Eric Chaney
Published: October 16,2015

A large dust storm known as a haboob swept through the Phoenix, Arizona, area shortly before 3 p.m. Friday. The National Weather Service issued blowing dust advisories in advance of the storm, which were upgraded to dust storm warnings around 2 p.m. local time.
(MORE: What Is A Haboob?)
"A southerly flow has transported warm, moist air into the region, creating an unstable environment" said weather.com meteorologist Quincy Vagell. "As a result, a haboob developed, pushing a wall of dust and sand toward the Phoenix area."

A haboob sweeps toward the city of Chandler, Arizona, Friday afternoon.
(Twitter/City of Chandler)

A haboob sweeps over the city of Chandler, Arizona, Friday evening.
(Instagram/Philip Chesley)

According to Vagell, the same upper level storm system that brought flooding rains to California on Thursday is causing strong thunderstorms, gusty winds and blowing dust across parts of Arizona. Wind gusts of more than 60 mph were reported at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field.
(Forecast: Phoenix)
Photos and videos of the storm immediately hit social media, prompting a variety of reaction from residents and non-residents.

View image on Twitter