Arizona Faces Severe Weather: Blackman Calls for Emergency Declaration
As severe weather conditions wreak havoc across Arizona, State Representative Walt Blackman has taken a decisive step by urging Governor Katie Hobbs to declare a state of emergency. The request comes amidst a week of thunderstorms, flash floods, and hailstorms that have affected several counties.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch, particularly impacting northern regions of Arizona, including Navajo, Apache, Coconino, and Gila counties, on Wednesday and Thursday. These adverse weather conditions have prompted concerns about the safety and readiness of these areas to handle such challenges.
Blackman emphasizes the importance of swift action to prevent potential loss of life. In his communication to the Governor’s Office, he highlighted the urgent need for mobilizing resources, stating, “Many of the communities I represent have [asked] the State Representative for Legislative District 7 to formally request that you declare a State of Emergency for … limited emergency response resources, lengthy emergency transportation routes, and geographic challenges that can make severe flooding particularly dangerous.”
Declaring a state of emergency would allow the Governor’s Office to quickly allocate resources to the affected regions, providing necessary aid and support. However, as of now, there has been no response from Governor Hobbs’ office regarding Blackman’s plea.
