# Arizona Governor Asked to Declare State of Emergency After Tornadoes Hit

> Two EF1 tornadoes struck central and northern Arizona on October 21, 2026, causing property damage and prompting a state representative to formally request an emergency declaration.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-25T16:21:16.158919Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/arizona-governor-asked-to-declare-state-of-emergency-after-tornadoes-hit-0bb785a1

Two EF1 tornadoes struck central and northern Arizona on October 21, 2026, causing property damage, power outages, and at least one injury [1][8][20][25]. State Representative Walt Blackman formally requested Governor Katie Hobbs declare a state of emergency for Navajo County [10][13].

This severe weather event disrupted communities, caused destruction, and led to calls for emergency assistance. A state of emergency could provide vital resources for recovery and support for affected residents.

## Tornadoes Strike Arizona
On October 21, 2026, Arizona experienced two confirmed EF1 tornadoes [1][2][20]. One tornado, packing winds up to 105 mph, hit the Bradshaw Mountains south of Prescott in Yavapai County, from 7:32 a.m. to 7:46 a.m. [1][17]. It tore through trees, uprooting and snapping ponderosa pines along its nearly 8-mile path [1][17][18].

Later that day, an EF1 tornado struck Heber-Overgaard in Navajo County [8][20][25]. This storm caused extensive damage to homes and structures, downed power poles, and uprooted numerous trees [8][9][11][12][20][21][22][23][24]. The Navajo County Sheriff's Office reported significant damage and one minor injury [8][9][12][23][24][25]. A reception center opened at the Navajo County Heber Complex to assist displaced residents [11].

## Calls for Emergency Declaration
In response to the damage, State Representative Walt Blackman, representing the Show Low area, formally asked Governor Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency for Navajo County [10][13][16]. Blackman emphasized the need to quickly mobilize emergency resources for the Heber community [16].

On October 22, 2026, Governor Hobbs released a statement, expressing concern for Heber-Overgaard [14][27]. She noted her administration was coordinating with Navajo County Emergency Management for sheltering and support [14][27]. Governor Hobbs also thanked first responders [14][27]. As of that date, a state of emergency had not been declared, with the governor's office indicating a decision would follow damage assessment [15].

## What we could not confirm
The current status of a state of emergency declaration for Navajo County by Governor Hobbs is not confirmed by the provided records [14][15][19]. The total financial impact of the storm damage remains unknown.

## Evidence cited
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