PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A large dust storm and rain moved through the Valley Saturday afternoon as Tropical Storm Rachel, churning in the Pacific Ocean, prepares to make landfall along the coast of Baja California.
Shortly after 1 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a dust storm warning for the Phoenix area. Over the next hour or so, heavy rain and winds passed through parts of the Valley, moving from the west to northeast.
Several viewers shared photos and video of the dust storm hitting the Avondale area, including a shelf cloud marking the leading edge of the approaching thunderstorm.
At 1:30 p.m., Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport issued a ground stop for the thunderstorms. It has since been cancelled, with a ground delay set and nearly 200 delayed flights as of 2:30 p.m.
Rain is expected to return and continue into the evening, with more chances Sunday. A wind advisory has been issued for Sunday, with wind gusts possibly as high as 35 mph, according to the NWS.
First Alert Weather Days are issued Saturday through Monday for chances of rain and flooding across the state.
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