Local
Heber-Overgaard storm damages homes, cuts power; sheriff urges drivers to avoid roads
A brief burst of violent wind and flying debris struck the northeastern Arizona community Wednesday evening, damaging property and knocking down power poles. At least one person was injured, and crews began assessing the damage as officials urged residents to avoid affected areas.
A powerful storm swept through Heber-Overgaard around 7 p.m. Wednesday, damaging property, knocking down power poles and leaving the area without electricity. Officials described a possible tornado, but no confirmation was reported. At least one person was hurt.
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office said it was responding to a major incident in the Overgaard area and asked people to stay away from State Route 260 between Mogollon and the Overgaard Airpark, as well as areas north of State Route 377 toward Tonto.
Betty Nixon, who has lived in Heber for eight years, said the wind and debris battered her home for roughly 30 to 45 seconds. She took cover on the floor with her dogs, fearing the windows might break. A large section of a neighbor’s tree landed in her yard, and another neighbor’s windows reportedly shattered.
Nixon said she received no warning before the storm hit. The sound of wind and debris striking the house was her first indication of danger, she said.
Navopache Electric Cooperative reported outages but had no estimate for how many customers were affected or when service might be restored. Crews were assessing damage.
State Rep. Walt Blackman called the damage considerable and said he wanted Gov. Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency. He identified immediate needs as protecting residents, restoring electricity, maintaining public safety and assisting families whose homes or property were damaged.