Home / Environment / Rare Cat 5 Dust Storm Chokes Phoenix
Rare Cat 5 Dust Storm Chokes Phoenix
5 Aug
Summary
- A rare Category 5 dust storm hit Phoenix, the highest level on the PHX scale.
- Inhaling over a million dust particles is possible during a Category 5 event.
- Those with lung/heart issues, the young, old, and immunosuppressed are at higher risk.
A severe dust storm, classified as a Category 5 on the PHX Dust Storm Scale, recently impacted the Phoenix Valley. This is the highest rating on the scale, which was developed by an Arizona State University-led team to measure dust storm severity and particulate matter exposure. This Category 5 event is only the fifth recorded in the 15 years the scale has been in use.
During a Category 5 storm, the air can contain over a million dust particles per hour of exposure, a significantly higher concentration than lower-rated events. This level of particulate matter poses health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Emergency room physicians advise that individuals with lung disease, heart disease, the very young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems should take extra precautions.
ASU has introduced a new dust storm dashboard. This tool allows residents to track the storm's category and its intensity in specific neighborhoods across the Valley, providing real-time information on air quality conditions.
