A massive sandstorm hit inland Arizona in the southwestern United States, causing damage to some airport buildings and delays in flights.
According to the Associated Press (AP) and CNN on the 26th (local time), a massive sandstorm known as a 'haboob' swept through the metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona, the previous evening.
Videos taken in the area at the time show a massive tawny-colored cloud of sand and dust reaching dozens of meters in height, engulfing the entire city like a thundercloud, nearly blocking visibility from the ground.
Immediately after the sandstorm hit, strong thunderstorms and high winds swept through, knocking down street trees and causing widespread power outages.
According to PowerOutage, a site that tracks power outages in the United States, over 15,000 households (including commercial facilities) in Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, reported power outages.
At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, gusts of wind reaching 113 km/h damaged bridges connecting buildings and parts of terminal roofs.
Also, due to safety concerns related to the strong winds, takeoffs and landings of all aircraft were halted for about an hour.
Local residents faced difficulties in going out and moving around.
Police in the Gilbert area near Phoenix said, 'Traffic lights went out and trees fell in various locations throughout the jurisdiction.'
The haboob sandstorm is a phenomenon that occurs in the desert area of Arizona due to strong seasonal winds created by high summer temperatures and low humidity. It forms as strong updrafts in the atmosphere lift dust and sand from the surface.
Recently, Arizona has been experiencing extremely dry weather alongside heat waves exceeding 38 degrees Celsius.
The wall of dust from the haboob can be seen from afar, but due to its extremely fast movement, there is little opportunity to escape, so experts advise caution when outdoors or driving.