Governor Katie Hobbs visits Heber-Overgaard, Declares State of Emergency for Navajo ...

Governor Hobbs Declares State of Emergency for Navajo and Coconino Counties Following October Storms

When severe weather tore through northern Arizona between October 20 and October 22, 2026, it brought heavy rains, high winds, hail, and tornadoes that battered Navajo and Coconino Counties. In response to the extensive damage, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared a State of Emergency, unlocking immediate state resources for the battered communities.

The emergency declaration directs $200,000 from the state’s general fund to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) and its Division of Emergency Management. This funding is earmarked specifically to support ongoing response and recovery efforts in the hardest-hit regions.

“My thoughts are with all of the Arizona communities impacted by last week’s tornadoes and storms,” Governor Hobbs said in a statement released by azgovernor.gov. “I am committed to making sure each community has the resources it needs to continue recovering, and am thankful to everyone who is supporting ongoing recovery efforts.”

Ground Zero in Heber-Overgaard and County Assistance Applications

The storm system left a trail of destruction marked by widespread power outages, damaged public and private property, blocked roadways, and mounting threats to public health and safety. Following the severe weather, Navajo County officials moved quickly, officially submitting an application for financial assistance from the state on Wednesday, October 28.

Grateful for the swift action taken by our first responders and emergency teams in Heber-Overgaard after last week’s tornado. Today, I joined state and local leaders for a roundtable discussion on response and recovery efforts, as well as the storm's impact on the community. My… pic.twitter.com/A4YinU2dy3

— https://x.com/GovernorHobbs/status/2115936941053284490

To assess the damage firsthand and coordinate recovery strategies, Governor Hobbs traveled to Heber-Overgaard for a roundtable discussion with state, local, and county leaders. During the visit, she received direct briefings from Navajo County Emergency Management, the Heber-Overgaard Fire District, and the Division of Emergency Management.

Key local and state officials participating in the briefing included Britton Holdaway, Interim Director of the Division of Emergency Management (DEMAD); Katrina Jenkins, Navajo County Emergency Manager; Chairman Daryl Seymore and Vice Chair Dawnafe Whitesinger of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors; Supervisor Jason E. Whiting; County Manager Bryan Layton; Assistant County Manager Rochelle Lacapa; Chief Deputy Jeff Sharp and Deputy Chief Wylie Williams of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office; and Fire Chief Jason Payne of the Heber-Overgaard Fire District, alongside representatives from the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.

Community Response and Volunteer Coordination

Beyond official agency responses, local volunteers and non-profit organizations have played a critical role on the ground. Governor Hobbs also met with representatives from Navajo County Search and Rescue, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse, the Heber-Overgaard Community Resource Network (HOCRN), Arizona Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, and the American Red Cross.

“I am proud of the partnership and collaboration demonstrated across state, local and county agencies,” Governor Hobbs noted, highlighting how open communication enabled swift response times, prompt welfare checks, and the rapid development of effective recovery strategies.

Residents and members of the press looking for further details can review the official documents via the Emergency Declaration or access photographic records of the governor’s visit through the press download portal.