A dust storm of significant proportions has swept through Pima County, southeastern Arizona, prompting a warning from the National Weather Service in Tucson. The storm, which was categorized as a haboob, caused visibility to drop to less than a quarter mile in certain areas, posing a severe threat to travel and safety.
The National Weather Service issued the warning at 6:17 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026, with the dust storm initially located along a line from 9 miles northeast of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to 10 miles southeast of Hickiwan. The storm was moving northwest at a speed of 25 mph, prompting the agency to advise against driving into the storm.
The National Weather Service warned motorists to "PULL ASIDE STAY ALIVE!" and advised them to stay updated on the rapidly evolving situation. The storm was expected to bring strong to severe thunderstorms behind the dust channel, further complicating the situation for those caught in its path.
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service have been closely monitoring the situation. They reported that the dust storm was caused by cold downdrafts from thunderstorms colliding with the hot desert floor, a common occurrence during the monsoon season from June to September. These downdrafts can stir up vast amounts of dust, creating a wall of dust that can stretch for miles and reach thousands of feet tall.
The term "haboob" is an Arabic word that translates to "big, blasting winds," and it was adopted by meteorologists to describe the intense dust storms that are characteristic of the region. Haboobs can be short-lived but are known for their power, typically lasting from a few minutes to an hour.
For those caught driving during a haboob, the Arizona Department of Transportation's "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" campaign offers essential safety tips. Drivers are advised to immediately check traffic around their vehicles, slow down, and find a safe place to pull off the road. It is crucial to turn off all vehicle lights to avoid confusing other drivers and to set the emergency brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
The storm's impact was felt across various locations, including Ajo, Hickiwan, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, San Simon, Why, Gunsight, Charco 27, Vaya Chin, KuKatch, and San Simon West. Highways affected included Route 85 between mile markers 33 and 78, and Route 86 between mile markers 53 and 85.
Despite the severity of the storm, authorities are working to ensure the safety of the public. For those seeking more information on dust storm safety, resources are available at [PullAsideStayAlive.org](https://www.PullAsideStayAlive.org), and additional safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at [azdot.gov/monsoon](https://www.azdot.gov/monsoon).
The dust storm serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the monsoon season in Arizona, and the importance of being prepared for such emergencies.
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