Arizona Storms Bring Rare Tornadoes and Golf-Ball Hail, Leaving Damage and Injuries

Key points

• A suspected tornado struck Heber-Overgaard on Wednesday night, causing significant damage and one non-life-threatening injury.
• Golf-ball to baseball-sized hail damaged homes, vehicles, and businesses in Phoenix and northern Arizona, shattering windows and denting cars.
• The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings and watches across Arizona and New Mexico, with conditions favorable for tornadoes through Thursday evening.
• Emergency shelters were opened by the American Red Cross, and local officials declared an emergency in Navajo County to coordinate response efforts.
• Power outages affected many residents, though most power was restored by early Thursday morning.

Background

This event is part of a rare late-October storm system that brought unusual severe weather to Arizona, including the first tornado watches in the state since 2010. Previous coverage noted the unusual nature of these storms for the typically arid region, with threats of flash flooding and significant rainfall.

How outlets are covering it

BBC reported on the damaging hail in Phoenix and other parts of Arizona, emphasizing the rare nature of the storm. ABC15 Arizona focused on the suspected tornado in Heber-Overgaard, detailing the damage, injuries, and emergency response, including the call for a state of emergency by State Representative Walt Blackman. KTAR News highlighted the ongoing tornado watches and warnings across Arizona and New Mexico, noting the potential for severe thunderstorms and damaging winds. FOX 10 Phoenix provided on-the-ground accounts of the hail damage in north Phoenix, with residents describing the intensity of the storm and the extent of the damage to their homes and vehicles.

Why it matters

The severe weather event highlights the vulnerability of Arizona to extreme weather events, even in regions not typically prone to such conditions. The widespread damage and emergency response underscore the need for preparedness and coordination in the face of rare but impactful weather events.

What to watch

The National Weather Service expects the storms to taper off from west to east during the afternoon and evening of Thursday. Officials are continuing to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected communities. Residents are advised to stay away from downed power lines and damaged structures and to follow instructions from local emergency management.