Tornado rips through Star Valley in Arizona, leaves multiple homes damaged
STAR VALLEY, ARIZONA: A tornado wreaked havoc in Star Valley, Arizona, causing substantial damage to multiple homes, town officials reported on Sunday November 19.
The National Weather Service verified the tornado as an EF-1, with wind speeds reaching a peak between 95 and 105 miles per hour.
Impact on homes and fatalities
Authorities indicated that approximately 10 homes bore the brunt of the severe winds, resulting in significant damage. Fortunately, no human injuries have been reported.However, tragically, a dog died amid the powerful winds.
The winds were so intense and powerful that they propelled two-by-fours through walls, demonstrating the sheer force of the tornado.
Additionally, there are reports of a brick wall being knocked over during the storm.
Town officials are actively engaged in the cleanup process, clearing trees that have been uprooted and are lying on the streets.
National Weather Service Flagstaff tweeted, "Our survey team has returned from the field and determined that damage near the Star Valley, AZ, area was consistent with that of an EF-1 tornado. Estimated peak winds ranged between 95 and 105 mph. Damage information is subject to change pending additional data."
Our survey team has returned from the field and determined that damage near the Star Valley, AZ, area was consistent with that of an EF-1 tornado. Estimated peak winds ranged between 95 and 105 mph. Damage information is subject to change pending additional data. #azwx pic.twitter.com/plMIwS90db
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) November 20, 2023
Mayor and residents recount fear and devastation
“It’s like a freight train coming through, and just the damage was fast and furious,” said Star Valley Mayor Bobby Davis, reported azfamily.com. ”We’re just blessed that no one was hurt. And we’ve had a ton of volunteers and we can’t thank them enough," said Davis.
Star Valley local, Robert Brier, expressed that Sunday's tornado marked the most frightening experience he has ever encountered. “Everybody screamed microburst. It’s hard to believe it’s a tornado because Arizona doesn’t get a lot of tornadoes,” said Brier.
“I stepped into my living room, and it just hit us. The house was shaking. My back door flew open. Our (back) porch was gone...it disappeared. Then I stepped out, and it was in the front of our yard,” Star Valley resident Ada Herrington said, and added, “In the moment, I was super scared. I was actually going to go hide in my bathtub.”