Following a devastating microburst that ripped through Tempe earlier this week, city officials are urging residents and business owners to save receipts and expense records for potential reimbursement and financial assistance.
“If you plan to apply for assistance, save every receipt and record of expenses—from hotel stays and cleanup costs to repairs or lost business revenue,” the city posted on X (formerly Twitter). Officials emphasized that any reimbursement will require full documentation, encouraging residents to keep all records organized for when relief funds become available.
The powerful storm, which struck on Monday, left behind widespread destruction—damaging nearly 80 homes and businesses, displacing more than 130 residents, and knocking out power for over 27,000 people at its peak. Many structures suffered catastrophic roof damage, while fallen trees littered neighborhoods and streets.
Tempe Mayor Corey Woods declared a state of emergency on Wednesday to expedite recovery efforts and open the door for potential state and federal disaster assistance. “I have lived here for over 22 years and I’ve never seen a storm like the one we saw yesterday,” Woods said during a Tuesday press conference.
The storm hit at the tail end of an unusually wet weekend across the Valley, fueled by the remnants of Hurricanes Priscilla and Raymond, which moved north after making landfall along Mexico’s west coast.
Tempe officials have since opened a temporary emergency shelter and launched cleanup operations throughout the city. Residents can find a full list of available resources and assistance programs on the City of Tempe’s website.
