Massive dust storm rolls through US city

A huge dust storm has cloaked the US city of Phoenix, reducing visibility to just 30m and worsened by 100km/h winds.

The system moved through the Arizona capital yesterday and left the city engulfed in a thick, beige cloud of sand and dust.

Video shot from a US news helicopter showed an ominous wall of dust rolling across the city.

The cloud was estimated to soar up to 1500m above ground level, while lightning also struck two buildings in downtown Phoenix.

A dust storm warning was issued and power was cut off to more than 4000 customers as the system raged.

The intense winds so strong the goal posts at the practice ground of NFL team the Arizona Cardinals were reportedly bent out of shape.