Severe monsoon storm hits Phoenix, US, causing airport damage VIDEO

A powerful monsoon storm swept through the Phoenix metropolitan area on the evening of August 25, bringing heavy rain, intense winds, and a massive wall of dust.

The storm caused extensive disruptions, including widespread power outages, flight delays, and damage to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The storm, which moved in from the southeast, first hit San Tan Valley just before 5 p.m. local time and reached downtown Phoenix within an hour. Lightning illuminated the storm as sheets of rain and howling winds battered the city. The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory in effect until 9 p.m.

At Phoenix Sky Harbor, thunderstorms prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a temporary ground stop at around 5:30 p.m., which was lifted approximately 30 minutes later. According to the airport, three flights were canceled, 104 were delayed, and one flight was diverted, with the average delay around 15 minutes.

Massive monsoon haboob rolls into Phoenix. #azwx #stormhour #duststorm #Weathernews pic.twitter.com/QFpi42PyDz

— Chris Frailey (@Chris_Frailey) August 26, 2025

The storm caused leaking and other structural damage at the airport, affecting terminals and the PHX Sky Train, a spokesperson said. Crews were working to assess roof damage, clear water from passenger areas, and remove debris from roadways. Operations that had been temporarily halted resumed by 8:50 p.m.

The Salt River Project reported more than 41,000 customers without power across the Phoenix area as of 7:30 p.m. local time.

Meteorologists forecasted continued storm chances on August 26, though with a lower likelihood and less widespread impact, ranging from 30% to 50%.

By Sabina Mammadli