Arizona lawmaker urges state of emergency after Heber-Overgaard tornado

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 tornado with winds reaching 110 mph struck the Heber-Overgaard area in Navajo County, Arizona, last Wednesday, causing significant damage to homes and buildings, FOX 10 Phoenix reported.

Arizona State Representative Walt Blackman, who represents the affected area, is urging Governor Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency to secure state recovery funds for residents, many of whom lack insurance, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.

Blackman described the damage, noting fallen trees on buildings and debris such as trampolines scattered miles away. The tornado traveled over nine miles in just 11 minutes, as confirmed by the National Weather Service.

Governor Hobbs' office stated that state agencies are collaborating with local officials on recovery efforts. The governor expressed gratitude to first responders who quickly supported the Heber-Overgaard community, FOX 10 Phoenix reported.

Blackman criticized the timing of the response, saying the state of emergency declaration should have happened within the first day after the storm and expects more action from the governor's office.