US Dust storm hits Phoenix

The first dust storm of the summer has swept through Arizona with strong and blinding winds, forcing several flights to be grounded.

 

The storm prompted many residents to cancel holiday plans in Phoenix and knocked down trees and power lines.

 

The power cuts affected some 25,000 people, local reports said.

 

The wall of dust that enveloped parts of the city also snarled traffic as drivers slowed down because of poor visibility.

 

The storm was the first of the yearly monsoon season and brought with it localised heavy rains.

 

All traffic at Sky Harbor International Airport was halted for about 45 minutes on Thursday evening, before operations resumed.

 

In that period at least 24 flights were diverted to other airports.

 

Meanwhile, the US East Coast is being battered by hurricane Arthur.

 

 

- SkyNews