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Dust storm warning issued
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
National Weather Service issued dust storm warnings for Maricopa and Pinal counties in Arizona. Blowing dust cut visibility to under a quarter mile, prompting safety alerts.
Background
Arizona's monsoon season brings sudden dust storms, known as haboobs, which can drastically reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions. The National Weather Service monitors these events and issues warnings to alert residents and travelers.
How it unfolded
- Aug 19, 2026 19:51NWS Phoenix issued a dust storm warning for Maricopa and Pinal counties, effective until 8:45 p.m. MST.
- Aug 19, 2026 20:22Severe thunderstorms were located along a line from near San Manuel to 10 miles west of Kearny, moving southwest at 20 mph.
- Aug 19, 2026 21:02An outflow boundary was located near San Tan Valley, moving northwest at 30 mph, prompting a severe thunderstorm warning.
- Aug 19, 2026 21:29Flash Flood Warning issued for Pinal County until 12:30 a.m. MST, with 1 to 1.5 inches of rain already fallen.
- Aug 19, 2026 21:45An outflow boundary was over downtown Scottsdale, moving northwest at 40 mph, with severe thunderstorm warning extended until 10:30 p.m.
- Aug 20, 2026 00:00Dust storm warning for Maricopa County expired at midnight as the storm weakened, but blowing dust continued to reduce visibility.
- Aug 20, 2026Clark County, Nevada issued a dust advisory as airborne particulate matter from Arizona storms drifted into the Las Vegas Valley.
- Aug 23, 2026 17:40NWS Tucson issued a dust storm warning for central Pima County, with a wall of dust moving west at 10 mph and winds over 50 mph.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- NWS warned motorists: 'Do not drive into a dust storm. PULL ASIDE STAY ALIVE!'
- Public
- Residents were advised to stay indoors, especially those with respiratory conditions, as dust can aggravate health issues.