Significant damage has been reported after a suspected tornado touched down in Navajo County, Arizona on Wednesday.
According to Scripps News Group Chief Meteorologist Amber Sullins, a touchdown likely happened around 8 p.m.
National Weather Service Flagstaff has sent a crew to the Heber-Overgaard area to survey the damage along with state officials. They are expected to release their findings and determine whether it was, in fact, a tornado.
"It went silent, and then it was (like) a freight train," a fire official said during a Thursday morning press conference, noting his own experience of receiving the emergency alerts just moments before the storm hit.
Hear an update from officials Thursday morning in the video player below:
Fire officials said Thursday that one person, only identified as a man who was outside at the time, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a medical center for treatment.
No other injuries have been reported.
Arizona State Representative Walt Blackman posted Wednesday night about the weather event, noting its considerable damage and a power outage in the affected area.
🚨 URGENT PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT — LD7TORNADO STRIKES HEBER, ARIZONA — SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND POWER OUTAGES REPORTEDOctober 21, 2026 | Emergency UpdateI want to provide an urgent update to the residents of Legislative District 7 regarding the tornado that touched down in Heber, Arizona.The storm has caused considerable damage, and power is currently out in the affected area. At this time, one injury has been reported. Emergency officials are continuing to assess the situation.I am working directly with local authorities and Navajo County Supervisor Seymour to evaluate the damage, coordinate response efforts, and identify the immediate needs of affected residents.I am calling on the Governor of Arizona to declare a STATE OF EMERGENCY to ensure that emergency resources, personnel, and assistance can be mobilized quickly to support the Heber community.Our immediate priorities must be protecting lives, restoring electrical service, ensuring public safety, and providing assistance to families whose homes and property have been damaged.Tomorrow afternoon, I plan to personally visit the affected areas, meet with local officials, and conduct an on-site assessment to determine what additional state assistance may be required.⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONStay away from downed power lines and damaged electrical equipment.Avoid damaged roads, structures, and areas where emergency crews are operating.Use generators outdoors, away from windows and doors.Follow all instructions issued by local emergency management and law enforcement.Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.To the families and residents of Heber: You are not alone. Your safety and well-being are my immediate concern. I will do everything within my authority to help ensure our community receives the support and resources it needs.I will continue providing updates as more information becomes available.Representative Walt BlackmanArizona House of RepresentativesLegislative District 7🇺🇸 ONE COMMUNITY. ONE ARIZONA. WE STAND TOGETHER.
— Chairman Walt Blackman LD7 Representative (@BlackmanForAZ) October 22, 2026
During Wednesday night's storm, many power lines were downed, causing a power outage to most of the area. The local power company has been able to restore power to most residents as of early Thursday morning, officials say.
Shelters and area assistance
Navajo County Sheriff says an Emergency Declaration was made Thursday morning, and officials will be gathering resources, getting an estimate of damage, and helping those impacted. Governor Katie Hobbs told ABC15 that her administration is working on supporting the community and stands ready to assist.
A reception center has been established at the Navajo County Heber Complex, 2188 West Country Club Drive, for those who were displaced.
The American Red Cross has opened three shelters across the state to assist communities impacted by storms, including Heber. Shelters are currently open at the following locations:
- Desert West Community Center - 6501 W Virginia Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85035
- Capps Middle School - 3375 Buckskin Canyon Rd, Heber, AZ 85928
- Chinle Presbyterian Church - 152 4th Ave, Chinle, AZ 86503
Weather warnings and history of tornadoes in Arizona
Throughout Wednesday, a total of 11 tornado warnings were issued in various areas across Arizona.
See coverage of the warnings and the day's storms in the player below.
The last time a tornado touched down in the Valley was on November 29, 2019, when two tornadoes touched down in Phoenix, another in Queen Creek and another in Gilbert.
WATCH:
