Tempe Mayor Corey Woods declared a state of emergency Wednesday following a devastating microburst that ripped through the city Monday night, tearing off roofs, toppling trees, and damaging homes and businesses.
“We had unprecedented damage,” Woods said in a video statement. “Signing this declaration will allow us to access funds necessary to speed up cleanup and help restore our community.”
The storm left nine apartment buildings and several homes uninhabitable, closed multiple parks, and disrupted power for more than 22,000 residents. City officials said 130 people were displaced, with a temporary emergency shelter set up at the Escalante Multi-Generational Center in partnership with the American Red Cross.
According to the National Weather Service, the microburst produced winds between 65 and 90 miles per hour and dropped nearly three-quarters of an inch of rain in minutes, contributing to widespread flooding and property damage.
The storm also damaged equipment at the Arizona Cardinals’ Tempe practice facility and radio transmission gear for local stations.
City, county, and state survey teams are now assessing the damage to determine eligibility for Small Business Administration disaster loans and other federal aid. Woods urged residents to report property damage so that uninsured and underinsured losses can be included in recovery efforts.
“Over 22,000 people lost power, 130 residents were displaced, and countless businesses were impacted,” Woods said. “We will rebuild stronger, together.”
