Sun Pain Management in north Phoenix has been forced to close temporarily after a severe hailstorm tore through its roof and flooded the clinic, leaving staff to assess extensive damage.
The storm struck the area on Wednesday near 19th Avenue and Peoria Avenue. Dr David Towns, of Sun Pain Management, said hailstones the size of baseballs punctured the roof within minutes, sending water through the ceilings and across the building.
“Every part of every room was just pouring water in through the ceiling,” Mr Towns said. Ceiling tiles fell on equipment and patients, while staff tried to clear about an inch of water from the floors using towels and bedsheets.
Vehicles parked outside the clinic were also damaged, with dents visible across their roofs and windscreens. Debris and dirt remained inside the building as workers began the clean-up operation.
Mr Towns said an initial estimate for replacing the roof was about $300,000, excluding damage to air-conditioning units and medical equipment.
The clinic is working through insurance claims, drying the premises and checking that the building is safe before reopening. In the meantime, patients are being directed to Sun Pain Management’s other locations or offered virtual appointments.
