[chris]

A massive dust storm swept across the Phoenix area in Arizona on October 3, bringing near-zero visibility in some areas. Local authorities said strong thunderstorm outflows brought wind and blowing dust to the Phoenix metro region, then tapered off by evening.

The winds tore down trees and street signs, and blew roofs off some buildings. Downed power lines sparked roughly seven fires around the Phoenix area.

One fire was reported near 25th Avenue and Turney Lane, where firefighters said a power line set brush on fire before it spread to a shed and a van. The residents evacuated while crews put out the fire.

Construction barriers and trees were knocked over in downtown Phoenix, and some West Valley homes had roofs blown off. At the height of the storm, which started around 4 pm and lasted about two hours, more than 40,000 in the Valley were without power. Gusts topped out at 62 mph at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport.