A powerful dust storm, known as a haboob, has struck the southwestern state of Arizona, bringing dangerous driving conditions, knocking out power and closing airports.

The skies above Arizona's state capital, Phoenix, turned dark on Monday as the weather system rolled in.

More than 15,000 people lost power, most in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, according to the tracking website PowerOutage.us

Heavy rain and wind followed the haboob, delaying flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and damaging a terminal roof.

Arizona City, about 60 miles (95km) southeast of Phoenix also experienced the towering wall of dust.

Image: The haboob blanketed the Phoenix area on Monday. Pic: AP

Bernae Boykin Hitesman was driving her son and daughter, nine and 11, home from scho

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