Tornado Damage Reported in Heber-Overgaard, AZ

HEBER-OVERGAARD, AZ (AZFamily) — Crews are currently evaluating the damage in the Heber-Overgaard community after a severe storm, suspected to be a tornado, struck on Wednesday evening, downing power poles and causing extensive destruction.

Storm Review

State Representative Walt Blackman reported that the storm inflicted “considerable damage” in the surrounding area, with at least one individual sustaining injuries.

Power Outages

As a result of the storm, power outages have been reported; however, the exact number of affected customers from Navopache Electric Cooperative is currently unknown. The company has not provided an estimated time for power restoration.

Witness Accounts

Betty Nixon, a resident of Heber for eight years, recounted her experience during the storm, which she said occurred around 7:00 PM. “I was in the kitchen, and I just heard the sounds outside were not normal. The wind, the house started getting pelted with debris,” she recalled. “I got on the floor with the dogs and just was worried that the windows were gonna shatter. It sounded like a tornado.”

Nixon noted that debris from a neighbor’s tree ended up in her yard, and another neighbor’s windows were reportedly shattered. The dramatic storm, which lasted only 30 to 45 seconds, took her completely by surprise. “I had no warning whatsoever,” she stated. “It was just this horrible sound of wind and flying debris crashing against the house. And that was my first warning.”

Warnings Issued

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the areas of Aripine and Heber-Overgaard at approximately 7:03 PM, shortly as the storm moved through these regions.

Ongoing Response

The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office is addressing what they are calling a major incident in the Overgaard vicinity, advising the public to avoid specific routes:

• State Route 260 between Mogollon and the Overgaard Airpark
• Areas north of State Route 377 extending toward Tonto

Representative Blackman has urged Governor Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency for the impacted region, emphasizing the need for immediate assistance: “Our immediate priorities must be protecting lives, restoring electrical service, ensuring public safety, and providing assistance to families whose homes and property have been damaged,” he stated.

As recovery efforts continue, further assessments of the damage will likely follow. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.