Flights delayed as dust storm hit the region of Phoenix - CNN

Massive "haboob" strike dust violent Arizona townThe or sand storm generally occurs on stretches of desert landIt of thousands of feet highRead more about this history of subsidiary CNN KNXV.

(CNN) - a storm of dust enveloped massive areas of Arizona Tuesday night, causing low visibility and delaying flights in and out of biggest airport of the State.

The violent dust or sand known as a haboob typically occurs in the desert lands and can stretch thousands of feet high, according to the National Weather Service.

He urged the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a judgment on the ground about one hour and 15 minutes at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

The storm had sustained winds of up to 69 and extended more than 30 miles long at the same time, according to a meteorologist for CNN KNXV-TV affiliate.

Some parts of the State were also under a severe thunderstorm Tuesday night.

More than 10 000 customers were without power at the height of the storm, said spokesperson Jenna Shaver of the Arizona public service.

Many of them now have the power, she said.

Haboob comes from the Arabic word for wind and is used to describe storms of dust and sand around the world.

In addition to visibility, which may cause accidents, haboobs may also uprooting trees, damaging roofs and felling power lines.CNN Marlena Baldacci has contributed to this report.