Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency in Navajo and Coconino counties on Friday, Oct. 30. The declaration follows storms and tornadoes that swept through northern Arizona on Oct. 20-22.
The state set aside $200,000 from its general fund for recovery and emergency response. The money will go to the Emergency Management Division of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). According to the governor’s office, the declaration covers the effects of high winds, heavy rain, hail and tornadoes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed three tornadoes. The most damage was done in the Heber-Overgaard area of Navajo County. One of the tornadoes had winds of up to 110 miles per hour (about 177 km/h). The other two touched down near the community of Bellemont, west of Flagstaff, and in an uninhabited area of the Bradshaw Mountains, about 6 miles (about 10 km) south of Prescott.
According to the governor’s office, Navajo County submitted a request for financial assistance. The storms caused power outages, property damage, blocked roads and potential threats to public health and safety.
The decision came after an earlier denial. On Monday, Oct. 26, the governor declined a request to declare a state of emergency. State Rep. Walt Blackman of Legislative District 7 had asked for one following the tornado. The state concluded at the time that northern Arizona had sufficient resources to respond.
On Thursday, Oct. 29, Hobbs visited Heber-Overgaard. She met with state, county and local officials and emergency responders, as well as volunteers. Her office said she was briefed on the storm’s effects, the response effort and recovery work. In a statement, the governor said she wants every community to have the resources it needs to continue rebuilding.
Source: AZFamily
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