The third most widespread dust storm of the season slashed through the Valley early Thursday evening, trapping some children in a school bus, snapping power lines and unleashing heavy rain.
"It's sending out a gusty outflow that's kicking up dust," said CBS 5 chief meteorologist Chris Dunn at the height of the storm.
Winds were close to 45 mph or higher in some areas.
As the storm blew through the Florence area, it knocked some power lines down on Hunt Highway and a bus got stuck between them.
Officials were able to help five kids get out, and they made it home safe and sound.
Crews are working to restore power to 3,500 customers, most in Southeast Valley.
"There are pockets of very heavy rainfall, but the bulk of the rain is tending to stay down to the southeast," Dunn said.
Pinal County officials said fire department units are responding to multiple reports of snapped power poles and heavy flooding in the Johnson Ranch Area.
"I don't see as much flooding as I do destruction," said CBS 5 viewer Carolyn. "My neighbors lost shingles off their roof and mine, too. Their trampoline went across my back yard."
"It sounded like a railroad train," she said. "The winds came so sudden and hard, almost hurricane force. At one point, I thought it was a tornado."
Pinal County Public Works has closed Sunland Gin Road from Harmon Road south to Pretzer Road due to downed power lines. The road closure is south of the town of Arizona City and west of Interstate 10.
Stay with KPHO.com and CBS 5 News for late-breaking updates.
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