BREAKING: Massive ‘Phoenix Dust Storm’ Engulfs Southwest Phoenix, Arizona — Watch Video

On Monday, August 25, 2025, at around 4 p.m. MST, a powerful dust storm, locally known as a haboob, erupted near Casa Grande and Eloy before racing north into the Phoenix Valley. By 4:45 p.m., the storm triggered dust storm warnings for key highways, including I-10, I-17, and US Route 60, covering cities such as Phoenix, Mesa, Avondale and Goodyear.

Visibility dropped to as low as 50 feet in parts of Pinal and Maricopa counties as winds exceeded 40 mph, creating hazardous driving conditions. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) urged drivers to follow its “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” protocol, advising motorists to pull completely off roads, switch off lights, and wait for conditions to improve.

Viral Visuals and Power Outages

Dramatic footage on social media showed a towering wall of dust swallowing freeways, forcing drivers to halt on I-10 and surrounding roads, per unverified X posts. The storm reduced visibility to less than a quarter-mile in several areas, while thunderstorm outflow winds added to the danger.
By 8:35 p.m., nearly 6,800 SRP and 3,000 APS customers were without electricity, per azcentral.com. Despite the power outages, no major crashes or injuries were immediately reported.
Flash Flood Warnings and Monsoon Rains
The haboob coincided with intense monsoon thunderstorms, bringing 1–2 inches of rainfall across parts of southeast California and southwest Arizona. Flash flood warnings were issued for areas including the Tohono O’odham Nation, Tucson Metro, and Western Pima County until 7 p.m..

The storms also produced frequent lightning and small hail, increasing risks to both motorists and residents. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality extended an Ozone High Pollution Advisory through August 25, citing elevated health risks.
Context and Safety Guidance
Arizona’s monsoon season, running from June to September, often triggers sudden dust storms and flash floods. In July 2025, a similar storm forced a ground stop at Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport. The NWS reported a 40–70% chance of storms on August 25, with radar tracking the dust storm moving north from Pinal County.

Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and avoid low-water crossings. For real-time weather updates, residents can check weather.gov/phoenix, while ADOT recommends calling 511 for highway conditions. The Red Cross also offers emergency assistance at 1-800-733-2767.