Dust storm warning issued for Maricopa County

Staff reports
·2 min read

The National Weather Service has issued a dust storm warning for Maricopa County starting at 8:27 p.m. July 24. The warning expires at 9:30 p.m. July 24.

A wall of dust was along a line extending from near Estrella Sailport to 7 miles southwest of Maricopa to 10 miles east of Freeman, moving west at 30 mph.

Hazards included less than a quarter-mile visibility with strong wind in excess of 50 mph, creating dangerous and life-threatening travel.

This included the following highways: Interstate 8 between mile markers 109 and 163; State Route 238 between mile markers 1 and 44; State Route 85 between mile markers 1 and 13, and between mile markers119 and 147.

Locations impacted included Goodyear, Gila Bend, Maricopa, Estrella, Big Horn, Bosque, Cotton Center, Painted Rock Dam, Freeman, Gila Bend Auxiliary Field, Estrella Sailport, Sonoran National Monument, Hassayampa, Mobile, andRainbow Valley.

For the latest watches and warnings, see our weather alert page.

A "haboob" typically occurs in Arizona during monsoon. From June to September, large dust storms can occur across the state as high winds pick up loose dust.

"Haboob" is an Arabic word that translates to "big, blasting winds." explained Andrew Deemer, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Phoenix and former linguist.

Terminology: When did we start using haboob to describe dust storms in Arizona?

What should I do in a dust storm if I am driving?

The Arizona Department of Transportation has helpful tips for drivers who may get stuck in a dust storm while driving. The "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" campaign aims to save drivers from dangerous situations by providing tips to survive a blowing dust event.

  • If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.

  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway - do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.

  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.

  • Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles, approaching from behind, to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash into your parked vehicle.

  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake. Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

  • Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org.

This article was generated by The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network using data released by the National Weather Service. It was edited by a staff member.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Dust storm warning issued for Maricopa County