A massive wall of dust — called a haboob — hit the Phoenix area on Monday, with stunning images showing expansive plumes descending on the metro area and the city's international airport.

The dust storm disrupted travel both on the ground and in the air and knocked out power for thousands in Arizona.

Here's what to know about dust storms and haboobs.

What is a haboob?

The National Weather Service says a "haboob " is a dust storm that results from outflowing winds from an incoming thunderstorm.

The name haboob comes from the Arabic word habb, which means "to blow," according to the American Meteorological Society's Glossary of Meteorology.

"The term 'haboob' originated as a description for wind and sandstorms/duststorms in central and northern Sudan, especially around the

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