Katie Hobbs faces pushback after not declaring state of emergency for Heber-Overgaard tornado

Gov. Katie Hobbs declined to issue a state of emergency for the Heber-Overgaard area following an EF1 tornado leaving a trail of damage in the northern Arizona community, prompting calls from local leadership to reconsider.

While state Department of Forestry and Corrections crews have reportedly been deployed to help with the initial response and to clear debris, officials confirmed Sunday that the area will receive no additional state assistance for long-term recovery efforts.

State Rep. Walt Blackman, whose district includes the area, took to social media to push back against the decision.

“I’m grateful for every crew helping Heber-Overgaard. But an initial response is not the same as long-term recovery,” Blackman posted on X. “A State of Emergency declaration can provide recovery funding, support debris removal and open a path to federal aid. Gov. Hobbs, please reconsider. Our neighbors need help.”

Arizona’s emergency management guidelines note that a state of emergency declaration can unlock additional financial streams for community recovery, though federal assistance remains subject to federal review and is not automatically guaranteed.

The EF1 tornado struck the community of about 3,000 residents, roughly 140 miles northeast of Phoenix, snapping trees, damaging homes and knocking out power to more than 1,200 customers.

At least one minor injury was reported in the wake of the severe weather.

On Saturday, the National Weather Service confirmed what hit the area on Wednesday was indeed a tornado after surveying the area.

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