Storm damages Heber-Overgaard as tornado assessment awaits

A severe storm struck Heber-Overgaard on Wednesday evening, leaving at least one person injured, knocking down power poles and cutting electricity to the Navajo County community. The National Weather Service’s Flagstaff office said the storm likely produced a tornado, but an official determination awaited an in-person survey. The storm hit at about 7 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, according to local accounts. The weather service issued a severe-thunderstorm warning placing the storm over Heber-Overgaard at 6:58 p.m. and identifying large hail as a threat. Earlier, it had warned that a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was approaching the area. The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office reported significant damage and minor injuries. Another report said at least one person was hurt. Officials had not provided a final injury tally or completed assessment of the damage. State Rep. Walt Blackman described the damage as considerable and said he wanted Gov. Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency. Navopache Electric Cooperative said it had no estimated time for restoring power. Downed power poles were reported, but the number of affected customers was not established in...