Dust storm downs some power lines in Pinal County

PHOENIX – A dust storm moving through central Arizona has temporarily shut down air traffic at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Officials say planes aren't being allowed to land or take off until the weather improves.

The massive wall of dust blew through the Phoenix area about 6 p.m. Thursday, dramatically reducing visibility and enveloping residents in an eerie rust-colored glow.

It's the third major dust storm that has hit the Phoenix metropolitan area since July 5.

Salt River Project officials say an estimated 3,500 customers are without electricity late Thursday afternoon. Most of the power outages are in the Queen Creek area southeast of Phoenix.

Officials in Pinal (pih-NAL') County say high winds downed power lines south of the town of Arizona City and west of Interstate 10.