Severe Weather Hits Heber-Overgaard, Causing Damage and Injuries
Residents of Heber-Overgaard experienced a tumultuous evening as a suspected tornado caused significant damage and injuries in the area. The storm’s sudden onset left the community grappling with power outages and structural devastation.
Shortly after 7 p.m., the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a tornado possibly touched down in Overgaard. This followed a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service just moments before the storm’s arrival.
In a statement released Wednesday night, the sheriff’s office detailed the extent of the damage, describing it as “significant,” while also noting minor injuries. Images and videos circulating online reveal the aftermath, showing uprooted trees and severely damaged structures.
A call for state intervention came from State Representative Walt Blackman, who urged Governor Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency. Blackman, representing the nearby Show Low area, highlighted the urgent need for assistance in Navajo County due to the severe weather conditions and potential flash flooding.
“The people of Heber need immediate assistance,” Blackman emphasized, stressing the necessity for emergency response efforts, road safety measures, and recovery initiatives. He criticized any delay in action, stating, “Waiting until every damaged structure has been counted before beginning emergency coordination is not an acceptable response.”
Blackman urged the Governor to expedite the evaluation for an emergency declaration to mobilize necessary state resources to support affected residents.
The full extent of the storm’s impact is still under assessment as multiple agencies continue to evaluate the damage on Thursday. Meanwhile, a reception center has been set up at the Navajo County Heber Complex for those displaced by the storm, located at 2188 W. Country Club Drive in Heber. The American Red Cross is actively coordinating a shelter to aid the affected individuals.
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