Don’t Get Blinded: How to Drive in a Dust Storm in Arizona

Arizona’s monsoon season brings spectacular sunsets—but also sudden, powerful dust storms also known as haboobs. These massive walls of dust can reduce visibility to zero in moments, posing serious threats to motorists. Here's how to stay safe if you're caught in one:

“Pull Aside, Stay Alive” — Don’t push forward into the unknown. When the dust hits, it's not the time to drive—it’s the time to pull over and wait.

Fun Fact: Meteorologists in Arizona began using the word “haboob” in the 1970s–80s, as they realized that the massive dust storms during monsoon season closely resembled those in the Sahara and Arabian Peninsula. The term gained more public visibility in the 2000s, especially through weather broadcasts, scientific literature, and viral videos of Arizona’s dramatic dust walls.

There has been occasional public pushback over the use of the term in Arizona, but it is a standard meteorological term used by the National Weather Service and NOAA.

The video goes over thoroughly what to do if you are caught in a dust storm. Ensure you follow these steps:

Step	Action
1. Slow Down	Do it before visibility drops
2. Pull Off	Exit highway and clear pavement
3. Lights Off	No brake or hazard lights
4. Stay Seated	Seatbelt on until storm ends
5. Re-enter Carefully	Move back only when safe visibility returns

As always, it is also important to carry an emergency kit. You should include:

• Water

• Flashlight

• Charged phone and backup battery

• First-aid supplies

• Reflective triangle or road flare (for post-storm use only)

Be extra alert after the storm as dust storms in Arizona tend to follow downpours and roads may be slippery. And lastly, if you are caught in a multi-vehicle pileup, stay inside your vehicle unless it caught on fire. Getting out during low visibility can be more dangerous.