Tornado warnings were issued across parts of northern Arizona on Wednesday, October 21, as severe thunderstorms brought large hail and damaging winds to Coconino and Yavapai counties.
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff warned of an “extraordinary threat to life or property” in Yavapai County after an alert was issued at 8.18am local time. It was due to expire at 8.45am. ([fox10phoenix.com](https://www.fox10phoenix.com/weather-alerts))
Earlier warnings covered parts of Coconino County, including Bellemont, Humphreys Peak, Lava River Cave, Abineau Canyon Trailhead, Wing Mountain and Inner Basin Pumphouse.
Further alerts were issued for areas around Prescott, Prescott Valley and Prescott Airport, as well as Mingus Mountain, Lynx Lake and Willow Creek Reservoir. A separate warning covered Jerome, Woodchute Mountain, Jerome State Historic Park, Parsons Trailhead and the Tapco Verde River Access.
The National Weather Service also reported severe thunderstorms capable of producing hail up to two inches in diameter and wind gusts of up to 60mph in Yavapai County. Forecasters warned that the storms could produce tornadoes, damaging straight-line winds and dangerous hail. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?lat=34.54&lon=-112.46778&warncounty=AZC025&warnzone=AZZ008&utm_source=openai))
A wider flood watch was in force across northern Arizona through Thursday, with officials warning that repeated thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could cause flooding in rivers, streams, low-lying areas and places with poor drainage. ([fox10phoenix.com](https://www.fox10phoenix.com/weather-alerts))
Residents in areas covered by a tornado warning were advised to move to an interior room, bathroom or cupboard, stay away from windows and avoid travelling through the warned area where possible.
Drivers were urged not to cross flooded roads. Anyone caught in rising water should leave their vehicle quickly and move to higher ground, while people were told to keep away from standing water near fallen power lines.
