Suspected tornado injures 1, damages up to 30 buildings in Heber-Overgaard area

Significant damage and one minor injury were reported in Heber-Overgaard after a suspected tornado moved through Wednesday evening, according to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities received the first reports of a possible tornado touchdown around 7:15 p.m. Wednesday.

“We had 18 911 calls within the first 30 minutes, and that was mainly for power lines down, propane bottles, and some people that were potentially trapped in homes,” Heber-Overgaard Fire Chief Jason Payne said during a Thursday morning news conference.

He also said a preliminary count showed between 20 and 30 buildings were affected, mostly homes. A church and fencing at a commercial property also sustained damage. Crews are still assessing the area, so the final count could change.

One person was taken to a hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries. Payne said he was thankful more people were not hurt.

“Today’s goal is primarily damage assessment,” Payne explained. “This is a suspected tornado. The National Weather Service is en route to to verify and quantify that data.”

How severe was the damage the potential tornado had on Heber-Overgaard area?

About 100 to 110 emergency personnel responded Wednesday night, and at least 50 continued assessing damage and helping residents Thursday, officials said.

A shelter for displaced residents has opened at the Navajo County Heber Complex, located at 2188 West Country Club Drive in Heber. The American Red Cross is coordinating a shelter, with details to be announced when available.

The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Heber-Overgaard Fire District, Arizona Department of Public Safety and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office are responding to the affected area.

The area was not under a tornado warning at the time of the Thursday morning update, but more severe weather was possible later in the day, according to the NWS.

Residents are encouraged to watch for updates and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

Heber-Overgaard is about 140 miles northeast of Phoenix in Navajo County and is home to about 3,000 people.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s David Veenstra contributed to this report.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on Oct. 21, 2026.

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