Dust Storm Warning Issued for Maricopa County Here’s What You Need to Know

Staff reports
| The Republic of Arizona

The National Weather Service has issued a dust storm warning for Maricopa County, effective July 21 at 4:22 p.m. The warning expires July 21 at 5:15 p.m.

For the most recent warnings, please visit our weather alert page.

A “haboob” usually occurs in Arizona during the monsoon. From June to September, large dust storms can occur in the state as strong winds pick up loose dust.

“Haboob” is an Arabic word meaning “great, roaring winds,” explains Andrew Deemer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix and a former linguist.

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

What should I do during a sandstorm when I am driving?

The Arizona Department of Transportation has some helpful tips for drivers who may find themselves stuck in a dust storm while driving. The “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” campaign aims to save drivers from dangerous situations by providing tips for surviving a dust storm.

If you encounter a sandstorm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, rear, and sides) and begin braking.
Don’t wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the road – do it as soon as possible. Get off the highway completely if possible.
Do not stop in a lane or on the hard shoulder. Find a safe place to pull off the paved part of the road completely.
Turn off all vehicle lights. You don’t want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide and potentially crash into your parked vehicle.
Pull the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake. Stay in the car, with your seatbelt on, and wait for the storm to pass.
Drivers of large vehicles should be extra alert to changing weather conditions and drive at reduced speeds.

For more information about dust storm safety, visit PullAsideStayAlive.org and safety tips for driving in rain storms, visit azdot.gov/monsoon

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.