The National Weather Service (NWS) Tucson office issued a Tornado Warning for Graham County, Arizona, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. This warning was effective from 4:12 PM MST until 4:45 PM MST. Radar indicated rotation within a severe thunderstorm located 21 miles north of Willcox, moving northeast at 30 mph. The storm was capable of producing a tornado and ping-pong ball-sized hail.

The NWS warned of significant impacts, including dangerous flying debris and damage to mobile homes, roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees. Locations covered by the warning included Fort Grant, Bonita, Mount Graham, and Frye Mesa Dam. Portions of Route 191 and Route 266 were also included.

This specific tornado warning was part of a larger severe weather event across Arizona. The Gila Herald reported severe weather alerts for Graham and Greenlee Counties, urging residents to prepare. Forecasters predicted severe winds exceeding 60 mph, hail, and possible tornadoes for the region. Heavy rainfall was also expected, with 0.5 to 1.0 inches in valleys and 1 to 2 inches or more on Mount Graham.

Most of Arizona was under a flood watch starting Wednesday. The NWS issued a flood advisory for northern Arizona, lasting through Thursday evening. High probabilities for precipitation were noted in areas like Flagstaff, Sedona, and Tuba City. Central Phoenix, Scottsdale, and parts of Pinal County were under a flood watch. Flash flooding remained possible in creeks, dry washes, and recently burned areas.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) placed parts of Arizona under a Slight to Enhanced risk for severe weather on Wednesday, highlighting large hail and damaging winds. An isolated tornado could not be ruled out. A Tornado Watch was issued for Mohave County until 6:00 PM MST. A separate tornado warning covered parts of Arizona from Flagstaff to Bellemont until 6 PM Wednesday. Weather experts noted that a Pacific low created conditions favorable for organized severe thunderstorms, capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.