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| Severe Weather / iSkyNews.com Drone Response Team (DRT) |
Severe Storms Could Bring Large Hail, Damaging Winds and Tornadoes to Arizona Thursday
By Ciara Perez | Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com | October 22, 2026
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PHOENIX, Ariz. — If you live in Arizona, you'll want to keep a close eye on the weather today. Another round of strong thunderstorms is expected to move through portions of the state Thursday, and some of those storms could pack quite a punch.
The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed portions of central and eastern Arizona under a Slight Risk (Level 2 out of 5) for severe weather. That means organized severe thunderstorms are possible, with large hail, damaging winds and even a few tornadoes among the concerns.
And while not everyone will see severe weather, those who do could experience some pretty intense conditions.
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| NOAA's October 22 outlook shows a severe storm threat across Arizona, with large hail, damaging winds and possible tornadoes. (Graphic: NOAA/SPC) |
Large Hail and Possible Tornadoes
One of the biggest concerns with today's storms is hail.
According to the Storm Prediction Center's Thursday morning outlook, some of the stronger thunderstorms could produce hail measuring two inches in diameter or larger. That's big enough to cause significant damage to vehicles, roofs and anything else left exposed.
Strong wind gusts are another concern, especially as thunderstorms begin organizing into larger clusters later in the day.
Forecasters are also watching the possibility of a few tornadoes, particularly across east-central Arizona during the afternoon.
That doesn't mean a tornado will develop in your neighborhood, but it does mean the ingredients could come together for some dangerous thunderstorms.
When Will the Worst Weather Arrive?
Thunderstorms were already affecting portions of east-central Arizona early Thursday morning, including areas near the Mogollon Rim.
Forecasters expect additional thunderstorms to develop over Arizona's higher terrain late Thursday morning and into the early afternoon.
The greatest concern will be during the afternoon and evening, when conditions could become more favorable for stronger, rotating thunderstorms.
As the day progresses, storms are expected to move eastward, with the severe weather threat extending into western and central New Mexico before gradually weakening overnight.
What About the Phoenix Metro Area?
For residents across the Valley, including Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and surrounding communities, it's a good idea to keep weather alerts turned on throughout the day.
The most significant severe weather potential is focused farther east, but thunderstorms can develop quickly, and conditions may change as the weather system moves through the region.
Not every community will experience severe weather. However, residents should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, especially if traveling toward eastern Arizona.
Stay Ahead of the Storms With iSkyNews.com's New Weather Alerts Page
With severe weather threatening Arizona, iSkyNews.com has launched a new Weather Alerts Dashboard designed to make it easier for residents to stay informed when dangerous weather develops.
Instead of searching through multiple websites to find out what's happening, you can visit our weather alerts page to check official National Weather Service alerts for Arizona and Florida.
The dashboard helps you quickly find active weather alerts, including severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings, flash flood warnings and other important weather advisories.
Bookmark our new Severe Weather Alerts page today:
iSkyNews.com | LIVE Weather Alerts Dashboard
Whether you're at home, at work or getting ready to head out the door, having a reliable place to check the latest alerts can make a difference when storms develop.
Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms to develop. A warning means severe weather is occurring or expected soon in the warned area.
If a warning is issued for your location, take it seriously and seek appropriate shelter.
iSkyNews.com Will Continue Watching the Storms
Thursday's severe weather threat is still developing, and forecasters will continue adjusting their outlooks as new information becomes available.
Residents should have more than one way to receive weather warnings, especially overnight when dangerous storms can sometimes catch people off guard.
Keep your phone's emergency alerts turned on, and if a tornado warning is issued, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
iSkyNews.com will continue monitoring the severe weather threat across Arizona and provide updates as new information becomes available.
For the latest official alerts, warnings and advisories, visit our Weather Alerts Dashboard.
Sources: NOAA Storm Prediction Center, October 22, 2026, Day 1 Convective Outlook; National Weather Service.
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