Arizona isn’t typically considered a hotspot for severe weather, but this week the state has experienced hail, flooding and even a rare tornado.
A severe storm Wednesday produced golf ball-sized hail in the Phoenix metropolitan area, damaging car windshields across the valley. reported on social media The vehicle’s windshield was shown damaged by hail.
North Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe and Mesa were among the valley communities hardest hit by hail. Winds of up to 60 miles per hour knocked down trees in the subway.
While hail is rare in Phoenix, the metro station has weathered several severe storms over the past year, including a November 2025 storm that produced hail in the West Valley.
In October 2010, Phoenix was hit by continuous hailstorms, causing insured losses of approximately US$2.7 billion.
The worst of the severe weather missed northern Phoenix on Wednesday. Communities near Prescott and Flagstaff suffered widespread damage from winds of up to 70 mph and heavy rainfall.
Overgard in Navajo County reported heavy damage from strong winds. Local reports said the community may have been hit by a tornado, but the National Weather Service has not confirmed whether a tornado was responsible.
Dry conditions are expected across much of the state over the next few days.
Above: An uprooted tree damages vehicles at a local apartment complex after a storm hit Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The most important insurance news, in your inbox every weekday.
Get the insurance industry’s trusted newsletter
