Arizona issues first tornado watch since 2010 as storms hit

The National Weather Service issued a rare tornado watch for parts of Arizona, covering northeastern, northern and northwestern areas until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, as severe storms brought multiple tornado warnings. A tornado was confirmed over Dewey-Humboldt, while heavy rain affected Flagstaff; warnings covered areas of Coconino and Yavapai counties, including Flagstaff, Prescott and nearby communities. Forecasters warned of possible additional tornadoes, hail up to tennis-ball size and wind gusts up to 70 mph. The watch was Arizona’s first of its kind since 2010, the state’s first enhanced severe-weather risk since 2019, and the first for Flagstaff and Prescott. In southwestern New Mexico, residents reported two tornado sightings within about 24 hours, including one south of Animas in Hidalgo County on Tuesday; no damage was reported, and it was the county’s first documented tornado since 1950.