US News

Storms damage central Arizona communities; possible tornado reported there

ABC News reports that a possible tornado and golf ball-size hail damaged homes and utility poles in Arizona, with minor injuries reported.

Updated Oct 22, 2026 · 12:14 UTC1 reports

The short version

Violent storms in northern and central Arizona brought hail the size of golf balls on Wednesday night.[ABC News]
A possible tornado in a central Arizona community felled trees onto homes and knocked down utility poles.[ABC News]
The county sheriff's office reported significant damage and minor injuries, and State Rep. Walt Blackman has requested a state of emergency declaration.[ABC News]
The tornado remains described as possible, and no decision on the emergency declaration request is reported.[ABC News]

Hail the size of golf balls hit northern and central Arizona on Wednesday night, damaging roofs, windows and cars.[ABC News]
A possible tornado caused significant damage in a central Arizona community, with trees falling onto homes and utility poles knocked down.[ABC News]
The county sheriff's office said in a statement that significant damage and minor injuries were reported.[ABC News]
State Rep. Walt Blackman requested a state of emergency declaration.[ABC News]
Weather service meteorologist Ryan Bernhart said that tornado-producing conditions at this time of year are very unusual for the area.[ABC News]

Whether the event was a tornado is not confirmed; the reporting describes it only as possible.[ABC News]
The full extent of injuries is not specified beyond minor injuries in the sheriff's office statement.[ABC News]
No decision on the state of emergency declaration request is reported.[ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.