Heber-Overgaard, AZ – A suspected tornado swept through the Heber-Overgaard area on Wednesday, leaving dozens of homes and businesses damaged and one person injured. State and local responders have been on the ground since the storm hit, conducting cleanup and damage assessments.
Local response and assessment
Jason Payne, chief of the Heber-Overgaard Fire District, told a press conference on Thursday that fire‑district teams are “doing damage assessment on all the homes, all the roads, all the hazards that are out there.” The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that initial estimates point to widespread damage across the community.
“Although this is kind of new news for Arizona, there are people that are affected, and we hope to be able to get them as much help as we can,” said Sheriff David Clouse during the same briefing.
County action and state involvement
Following the storm, the Navajo County Board of Supervisors declared a local state of emergency. That declaration is the first step toward a possible major disaster declaration, which would unlock federal resources for recovery.
State Rep. Walt Blackman publicly urged Governor Katie Hobbs to issue a statewide emergency declaration, tweeting, “Following the reported tornado in Heber, I have formally requested that Governor Hobbs declare a State of Emergency for affected areas of Navajo County.” The governor’s office responded that it is too early to determine whether a state‑wide emergency is necessary, but confirmed that state resources are already being deployed to assist with cleanup and safety efforts.
Path to federal assistance
If state resources prove insufficient, Governor Hobbs could formally request federal disaster assistance. Under that scenario, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would review the request and make a recommendation to the President, who has final authority to approve a major disaster declaration.
Rep. Eli Crane (R‑AZ) expressed support for swift action, noting the importance of getting federal aid to families and businesses as quickly as possible.
What residents should do
Officials urged residents to stay vigilant, avoid damaged structures, and report any hazards to local authorities. The fire district and sheriff’s office continue to coordinate with state and federal partners to ensure a safe and efficient recovery.
Community members have praised first responders for their rapid response and are organizing volunteer efforts to help neighbors clear debris and restore power.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
