Photos Of August 18, 2011 Dust Storm Around Phoenix, Arizona

A giant wall of dust hit Metropolitan Phoenix  for the third time within the last six weeks.

The dust storm, known as a haboob, was 1,000 feet high and traveled at least 50 miles into metro Phoenix and neighboring Pinal County on Thursday evening.

Weather experts said such huge dust storms only happen in Arizona, Africa’s Sahara desert and parts of the Middle East.

Flights were delayed and some people were without electricity because of the dust storm.

Homes were damaged, roofs were torn off businesses, trees landed on top of homes and a junior high school has part of its roof missing in the city of Eloy, in Pinal County.

Pollution levels was very high during dust storms and caused breathing problems for people with asthma and other similar conditions.

Lightning reveals a large layer of dust in the sky Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011 in Gilbert, Ariz. The dust storm swept through Pinal County and headed northeast, reaching Phoenix at about 6 p.m. It was the third major dust storm to hit the Phoenix metro area since last month. (AP Photo/Matt York)

A pedestrian crosses Central Avenue during a dust storm in Phoenix, Arizona August 18, 2011. REUTERS/Joshua Lott

A dust storm hovers over Queen Creek, Ariz. Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Matt York)

A dust storm moves to consume Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Ariz., Thursday August 18, 2011.(AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Pat Shannahan)

A giant wall of dust rolls through the central Phoenix area early Thursday evening, Aug. 18, 2011. The dust storm swept through the area turning the sky brown, creating dangerous driving conditions and delaying some airline flights. (AP Photo/Chris Havlik)

A dust storm surrounds high rise buildings in Phoenix, Arizona August 18, 2011. REUTERS/Joshua Lott