Safford, AZ — A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for southeastern Graham County in southeastern Arizona until 5:30 PM Mountain time (7:30 PM Central), with a dangerous storm packing two-inch hail and 70 mph wind gusts.

What is happening: At 4:39 PM Mountain time, the National Weather Service in Tucson tracked a severe thunderstorm about 7 miles south of Roper Lake State Park, moving northeast at 30 mph. This is the same storm complex that earlier prompted a tornado warning — the tornado threat has ended, but the storm remains dangerous.

Local impacts: Two-inch hail and 70 mph wind gusts can injure people and animals caught outdoors and cause significant damage to roofs, windows, siding and vehicles. The storm is moving toward the Safford area.

What to do:

- Get inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows.

- Anyone outdoors should move to shelter immediately — two-inch hail can cause serious injury.

- A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for southeast Arizona until 9:00 PM Mountain time, so stay alert for further warnings.

Source: National Weather Service, Tucson, AZ. Issued October 21, 2026.