Tornado damages residential properties in northern Arizona, winds reach 100 mph
Oct 3, 2022, 3:54 PM | Updated: 6:52 pm
(Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Photo)
PHOENIX — A tornado caused extensive damage to residences in Williams — about 33 miles west of Flagstaff — on Monday afternoon, authorities said.
The Williams Fire Department, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies responded to the Junipine Estates community north of Williams, where there were powerlines down and roofs missing from homes, according to the National Weather Service.
The tornado was deemed an EF-1 on the NWS Enhanced Fujita Scale with three-second wind gust estimates up to 100 mph.
Between 8-10 residences were damaged, CCSO announced in a press release.
A Red Cross Shelter has been set up at 636 S. Seventh Street in Williams for residents who could have been displaced by the tornado.
There have been no immediately reported injuries, and life and property assessments are being evaluated.
“We are saddened by the impact to this community and the impact to the residents who have lost their homes,” Matt Ryan, District 3 supervisor, said in a press release.
He added, “Our thanks go out to our first responders for their swift response to this unexpected weather emergency. As with previous natural disasters, the county will be here to support our community members however we can.”
Regional public safety resources, search-and-rescue teams and detectives were responding to the area, according to the release.
Portions of Yavapai and Coconino counties are under Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Monday afternoon with a Flash Flood Warning in effect until 6:15 p.m. for parts of Yavapai County, according to NWS.