First large dust storm of 2014 hits Valley
Mar 25, 2014, 3:28 PM | Updated: 5:23 pm
PHOENIX — The first large dust storm of the year hit the Valley on Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.
A large cloud of dust was first spotted near Eloy, Ariz. about 3:30 p.m. Meteorologist James Quinones said the storm’s origins were near Tucson, where several thunderstorms were brewing.
One man was able to capture the storm on video using a personal drone.
A dust storm warning was issued for the Interstate 10 corridor between Casa Grande, just south of Phoenix, and Tucson. A warning for the Phoenix metro area followed about 30 minutes later.
Both warnings were lifted about 5 p.m.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the storm caused at least five crashes along I-10.
The first part of the storm began to affect Gilbert about 4 p.m.
The dust made it to the southern part of the Valley, where it petered out.
Arizona is no stranger to large dust storms or haboobs, though the NWS said Tuesday’s storm is unseasonably early.
“We usually don’t see this until the summer when you get those really big supercells,” Quinones added.
Windy conditions are expected to continue through Thursday as a small front moves through the state. Gusts could be as high as 40 mph Wednesday.
KTAR’s Paul Ihander contributed to this report.
