Heber, AZ — State leaders are pushing for emergency declarations in Navajo County after a destructive storm tore through the Heber-Overgaard area Wednesday evening, leaving homes damaged, power knocked out, and at least one person injured.

What is happening: Around 7 PM Wednesday, a violent burst of wind and flying debris — which officials say may have been a tornado — battered the northeastern Arizona community for roughly half a minute. Power poles came down, buildings were damaged, and the Navopache Electric Cooperative reported "catastrophic damage to our electrical infrastructure," with no estimate for when power will return. The National Weather Service has not yet confirmed a tornado touched down.

Local impacts: At least one person was injured when the storm threw them from a bicycle. A reception center for displaced residents is open at the Navajo County Heber Complex, 2188 West Country Club Drive, with a Red Cross shelter coordinated for the community.

What to do:

- Stay away from downed power lines and damaged electrical equipment.

- Avoid damaged roads and areas where emergency crews are working.

- The Navajo County Board of Supervisors has issued a declaration of emergency to unlock state and federal resources.

- Arizona State Rep. Walt Blackman is calling on Gov. Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency for Navajo County and deploy state resources. The governor says her administration is coordinating sheltering and support with county emergency management and has directed DEMA, DPS, and ADOT to assist.

Source: FOX 10 Phoenix, October 22, 2026. Reported by TNW News.