Phoenix – A line of intense thunderstorms swept across central Arizona overnight into Thursday, bringing golf ball-size hail, damaging winds and a possible tornado that felled trees onto homes and knocked down utility poles. The National Weather Service had issued warnings for hail, wind and the chance of tornadoes as the system moved through the region early Thursday. Flood watches were also in effect for parts of the area.
Storms Move Through Heber-Overgaard and Beyond
A tornado warning was active Wednesday night for the Heber-Overgaard area in Navajo County, roughly 140 miles northeast of Phoenix. Residents reported uprooted trees and crumpled structures after the storm passed. The county sheriff’s office noted significant damage and minor injuries in the small community of about 3,000 people. Northern and central sections of the state experienced the worst of the hail and wind on Wednesday night. Golf ball-size hail struck roofs, shattered windows and dented vehicles across multiple counties. Strong gusts accompanied the hail, adding to the destruction.
Trees Down Across Flagstaff, Mesa and National Forest
Strong winds toppled trees in Flagstaff and Mesa, with some landing on walls and carports. In the Coconino National Forest northwest of Flagstaff, several dozen ponderosa pines taller than 30 feet were knocked over. Meteorologists described the fallen trees as sturdy specimens that do not typically succumb to ordinary winds. The damage extended to residential properties and community buildings. In Heber-Overgaard, trees, signs and fences were lost at local sites, including a church that sustained broken windows. Members there sheltered in a restroom during the height of the storm.
Unusual Timing and Broader Impacts
Meteorologist Ryan Bernhart of the National Weather Service in Flagstaff noted that warm, moist air moving north from the California coast helped fuel the storms, with shifting winds creating conditions favorable for rotation. He called the event very unusual for the area at this time of year. State Representative Walt Blackman, whose district includes parts of Navajo County, requested a state of emergency declaration. He cited families without power, significant property damage and at least one reported injury. The storms left a clear mark on the landscape that homeowners and land managers will be addressing in the days ahead.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.