Gov. Katie Hobbs declares state of emergency for 2 northern Arizona counties following tornadoes

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency for the Navajo and Coconino counties on Friday after the areas were hit by extreme weather from Oct. 20 to Oct. 22.

The governor had initially opted against declaring a state of emergency, but was asked to reconsider by state Rep. Walt Blackman, whose district includes Navajo County’s Heber-Overgaard.

“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 on Sunday. “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.”

Three tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service to have landed across the state, most destructively in Heber-Overgaard.

The tornado there damaged dozens of structures, leaving at least one man homeless, and took out many trees, authorities said. One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Hobbs visited the Heber-Overgaard area on Thursday to learn more about the damages and how officials plan to respond. The state of emergency she declared includes $200,000 from the state’s general fund to be utilized in the response.

“My thoughts are with all of the Arizona communities impacted by last week’s tornadoes and storms,” Hobbs said in a release. “I am committed to making sure each community has the resources it needs to continue recovering, and am thankful to everyone who is supporting ongoing recovery efforts.”

The other two tornadoes touched down near the Bellemont community west of Flagstaff and in an undeveloped area of the Bradshaw Mountains about 6 miles south of Prescott. Most of the damages from these storms was done to trees.

The maximum wind speeds were estimated around 110 mph.

The state of emergency also cited heavy rains and hail beyond the high winds and tornadoes.

As part of her visit, Hobbs met with and thanked personnel with Navajo County Search and Rescue, Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse, Heber-Overgaard Community Resource Network, Arizona Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and the American Red Cross.

“I am proud of the partnership and collaboration demonstrated across state, local and county agencies,” Hobbs said. “Open communication and coordination led to swift response times, prompt welfare checks and the ability to quickly develop effective recovery strategies, all while prioritizing the community’s safety.”

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