Governor Hobbs Declares Emergency for Navajo and Coconino Counties Following Severe Tornadoes and Storms
Governor Katie Hobbs declared a State of Emergency for Navajo and Coconino Counties following a destructive series of severe storms, heavy rains, high winds, hail, and tornadoes that battered the region between October 20 and October 22. According to an official release from azgovernor.gov, Navajo County submitted its formal application for state financial assistance on Wednesday, October 28, after the extreme weather left behind extensive power outages, structural damage to public and private property, and blocked roadways that threatened public health and safety.
The emergency declaration directs $200,000 from the state’s general fund straight to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) and its Division of Emergency Management. These funds are designated to support ongoing response and recovery efforts in affected communities.
On-the-Ground Briefings and Local Coordination in Heber-Overgaard
The governor traveled to Heber-Overgaard to meet directly with local officials during a roundtable discussion.
Officials briefing the governor included Britton Holdaway, Interim Director of the Division of Emergency Management, alongside Navajo County Emergency Manager Catrina Jenkins and Navajo County Board of Supervisors Chairman Daryl Seymore. Vice Chair Dawnafe Whitesinger and Supervisor Jason E. Whiting also participated, alongside 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. Fire Chief Jason Payne represented the Heber-Overgaard Fire District, joined by representatives from the Arizona Department of Public Safety and local emergency management.
Following the formal discussions, the governor met with community volunteers and relief workers from the Navajo County Search and Rescue, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Posse, the Heber-Overgaard Community Resource Network (HOCRN), the Arizona Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, and the American Red Cross.
Additional details regarding the official state response and documentation can be found by reviewing the Emergency Declaration, while official media photographs of the governor’s visit are available via the press download portal.
