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The skies over Phoenix darkened quickly and ferociously after a towering wall of dust plunged the metro area into near-zero visibility Monday night.
Known as a haboob, the dust storm was created from high winds quickly followed by severe thunderstorms. Homeowners across the area were warned of life-threatening conditions if they ventured outside, while they had to deal with downed trees, wind damage, and widespread power outages at their homes.
Conditions were so bad that at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, a connector bridge was shredded by 70 mph wind gusts. Some roof damage was also reported.
By 9:30 p.m., more than 200 flights were delayed at the airport and 60,000 residents were without power, CNN reported.
As Arizona enters its monsoon season, storms like this will become a more common occurrence and preparing for the worst will be critical.
Storm video shows the impact of Phoenix haboob yesterday
Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for many portions of the Phonenix metro—in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler Heights, and San Tan Mountain Park.
Homeowners were advised to get indoors and stay put, but as it goes with these storms, there’s really no telling how intense it will be until it happens. Videos show neighborhoods covered in dust, all while intense winds whip around properties and even uproot trees.
How homeowners can prepare for a haboob and dust storm
The best thing you can do during a dust storm or haboob is make sure you’re inside. While storms can increase in intensity quickly, keeping an eye on alerts can ensure that you will be indoors during the worst of it.
Once inside, make sure to close all your windows, doors, and vents to keep dust from getting in. As with a tornado, keep away from your windows and keep the blinds and curtains closed for extra protection in case of flying debris hitting the glass.
The National Weather Service advises homeowners of mobile homes to move to a “sturdy structure” as soon as possible.
“Unanchored mobile homes are NOT safe in any severe thunderstorm, and even anchored mobile homes can be heavily damaged in winds over 80 mph,“ the NWS states in its safety guidelines.
If you get stuck in the storm while in your car, the NWS advises that you pull your vehicle completely off the pavement. Stop, turn off your lights, and engage the emergency brake. Be sure to release the brake pedal so your tail lights are not illuminated.
Once the storm is underway, run an air purifier or a box fan air filter to reduce airborne particles. Wear an N95 mask or a similar respirator, even indoors, to filter out fine dust particles. It’s a good idea to keep that going once you venture outside after the storm, as well—especially if you have respiratory problems.