The National Weather Service has issued dust storm warnings for Maricopa County until 8:15 p.m. July 25.
A wall of dust was along a line extending from near Estrella Sailport to near Freeman to 6 miles southwest of Big Horn, moving southeast at 35 mph.
Hazards included less than one-quarter mile visibility with strong wind in excess of 40 mph, creating dangerous, life-threatening travel.
This included the following highways: Interstate 8 between mile markers 128 and 171; State Route 238 between mile markers 28 and 44; State Route 347 between mile markers 161 and 178.
Locations impacted included Casa Grande, Maricopa, Freeman, Big Horn, Estrella Sailport, Stanfield, Ak-Chin Village, and Mobile.
A wall of dust also was along a line extending from 11 miles northeast of Sonoran National Monument to near Estrella to near Bosque, moving southeast at 35 mph.
Hazards included less than a quarter-mile visibility with strong wind in excess of 50 mph, creating dangerous, life-threatening travel.
This includes the following highways: Interstate 8 between mile markers 105 and 171; State Route 238 between mile markers 1 and 44; State Route 85 between mile markers 1 and 12, and between mile markers 119 and 131.
Locations impacted include Goodyear, Casa Grande, Gila Bend, Maricopa, Estrella, Big Horn, Bosque, Freeman, Gila Bend Auxiliary Field, Estrella Sailport, Sonoran National Monument, Mobile, Rainbow Valley, Stanfield, and Ak-Chin Village.
A wall of dust also was along a line extending from near Maricopa to near Olberg to 6 miles north of Casa Grande, moving southwest at 40 mph.
Hazards included less than one-quarter mile visibility with strong wind in excess of 40 mph, creating dangerous life-threatening travel.
This included the following highways: Interstate 10 between mile markers 174 and 199; Interstate 8 between mile markers 153 and 178; State Route 87 between mile markers 138 and 148.
Locations impacted included Casa Grande, Maricopa, Blackwater, Bapchule, Estrella Sailport, Olberg, Arizola, Stanfield, Ak-Chin Village, Sacaton, and Mobile.
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 warnings issued for Maricopa County
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