UPDATE — Thursday, October 22, 5:58 AM CT: The storm is now over Fort Apache near Whiteriver, moving northeast at 40 mph. It is still producing 60-mph gusts and half-dollar-size hail.

Whiteriver, AZ — A severe thunderstorm is pushing across east-central Arizona early this morning, and the National Weather Service in Flagstaff has put Gila and Navajo counties under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 4:15 AM MST.

What is happening: At 3:39 AM MST, radar showed a severe thunderstorm 11 miles southwest of Canyon Day and 16 miles southwest of Whiteriver, moving northeast at 35 mph. The warning covers Gila County in east-central Arizona and Navajo County in north-central Arizona, including Whiteriver, Canyon Day, and Rainbow City. The warning runs through 4:15 AM MST.

Local impacts: This storm is packing 60 mph wind gusts and hail up to half-dollar size. Hail damage to vehicles is expected, and the winds can damage roofs, siding, and trees.

What to do:

- Get inside a sturdy building and stay there until the storm passes.

- Stay away from windows and glass doors.

- If you are driving, pull well off the road and wait it out — do not try to outrun the storm.

- Bring pets and anything loose outdoors inside if it is safe to do so quickly.

*Source: National Weather Service Flagstaff, October 22, 2026.*