AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 22, 2026
Severe Arizona Storms Strike Overnight
Central and northern Arizona experienced a series of violent storms overnight into Thursday, causing significant damage across several communities. According to the National Weather Service, the storms brought threats of hail, damaging winds, flood watches, and the possibility of tornadoes to the region.
Possible Tornado Hits Heber-Overgaard
In Heber-Overgaard, a community in Navajo County about 140 miles northeast of Phoenix, a possible tornado toppled trees onto homes and brought down utility poles. Photos and videos posted online by residents show uprooted trees and damaged structures. The local sheriff's office reported significant property damage, minor injuries, and a disruption of utilities affecting the community of around 3,000 people.
Property Damage and Emergency Response
The storms pelted homes with hail the size of golf balls, shattering windows, denting cars, and damaging roofs. State Representative Walt Blackman, whose district includes parts of Navajo County, requested a state of emergency declaration. He stated, "We have families without power, significant property damage, and at least one reported injury." The severe weather led to numerous weather warnings throughout the night.
Community Impact in Heber-Overgaard
As the storm hit, members of the Overgaard Baptist Church were ending a prayer meeting. The church later reported losing many trees, signs, fences, and windows, but church members were unharmed. In a social media post, the church said, "Nerves were rattled, but members were OK," and described gathering in the women’s restroom for safety during the event.
Storms Extend Damage to Other Areas
Strong winds also affected Flagstaff and Mesa, knocking down trees onto walls and carports. In the Coconino National Forest, northwest of Flagstaff, several ponderosa pines over 30 feet tall were uprooted. Meteorologist Ryan Bernhart from the National Weather Service in Flagstaff noted the strength of the trees felled, saying, “These are not small trees that are down. These are pretty strong trees that had been knocked down.”
Unusual Weather Patterns
According to Bernhart, warm, moist air moving north and changing winds off the California coast created the rare conditions for tornadoes in the area. “This is very unusual for this area at this time of the year,” Bernhart said, referencing the uncommon nature of such severe weather in the region during October.
Ongoing Weather Vigilance
The National Weather Service continues to monitor conditions and provide updates on severe weather threats in Arizona. Multiple warnings remain in effect as the community assesses storm damage and begins recovery efforts.
Source: abcnews.com.
