Yavapai County, AZ — A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for northern Yavapai County until 4:30 AM MST, the National Weather Service in Flagstaff reports.

What is happening: At 4:12 AM MST, radar picked up a severe thunderstorm near Williamson Valley, just outside Chino Valley, pushing northeast at 40 mph. The warning covers Chino Valley, Williamson Valley, Paulden, Iron Springs, and the Granite Mountain Wilderness, along with State Route 89 between mile markers 325 and 339 and the Alto Pit OHV recreation area. The storm was radar-indicated, and this warning remains in effect through 4:30 AM.

Local impacts: The storm is packing ping pong ball size hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Hail that size will injure anyone caught outside and damage roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. The gusts can tear at roofing and knock down tree limbs.

What to do:

- Get inside a sturdy building now and stay away from windows.

- If you are driving on State Route 89, pull off in a safe spot and wait it out.

- Keep pets and people indoors until the warning ends.

Source: National Weather Service in Flagstaff, AZ, October 21, 2026. Reported by TNW News.