TEMPE, AZ — Tempe Mayor Corey Woods has signed an emergency declaration for the city, which is a step toward securing funding after a severe storm and microburst wreaked havoc earlier this week.
Many businesses, homes, vehicles, and other properties across Tempe were damaged during Monday's severe storms, with more than 130 people forced to find somewhere else to stay.
WATCH: Officials provide update on storm damage in Tempe on Friday, October 17
Video from ABC15's helicopter showed the roof ripped off a business near Kyrene and Baseline roads. Our crews also spotted tipped-over semi-trucks, toppled trees, downed power lines, scattered debris, and other destruction.
Much of the damage was spotted along Kyrene Road from Elliot to Baseline.
ABC15 talked with a man who was working in a Tempe business at the time. He described the storm as "violent."
According to the National Weather Service, a microburst was confirmed to have hit the area on Monday afternoon. There is no evidence of a tornado.
A microburst is described as a "sudden, powerful, localized downdraft of air from a thunderstorm that, upon reaching the ground, spreads out in all directions, creating damaging straight-line winds up to 100 mph or more."
At one point, there were more than 34,000 reported power outages in the area. Those outages have mostly been restored.
RAINFALL TOTALS: How much rain fell in your neighborhood over the last several days?
Tempe Union High School District officials say Tempe High School would be on virtual instruction on Tuesday due to a power outage along Mill Avenue.
According to the city, more than 550 people reported damage to their homes. About 130 of them were forced out of their homes after several apartment buildings were severely damaged. Additionally, more than 70 small businesses received damage to their buildings.
The city of Tempe says it is partnering with the American Red Cross to set up a temporary shelter for those who are displaced. That shelter is at the Escalante Multi-Generational Center at 2150 E. Orange St.
Officials say the Arizona Humane Society is working to help those with pets who may need assistance.
Tempe Fire officials say they received a 50% increase in calls for service and responded to more than 100 calls for help during the storms. Crews from multiple other city departments, including Phoenix and Mesa, stepped in to assist them.
City officials are working with multiple agencies, including the Maricopa Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service, to address the damage and provide assistance to those who need it.
An official with Public Works says they are working to remove debris from right of ways and will continue to do regular bulk pickup in the hardest-hit areas, and are adding additional crew members. A revised schedule for trash pickup has not yet been updated.
The City of Tempe provided tips and assistance for those who need it:
What to do if you see trees or debris down on public property
- If debris is blocking intersections, major roadways, alleyways, or poses a safety concern, call 480-350-8311.
- If debris is not blocking major areas or is not an immediate hazard, call 480-350-4311.
What to do if a tree or debris is down on your private property
The city cannot respond to debris that has fallen on residential or commercial property. Residents have a few options for debris cleanup:
The City of Tempe will provide additional green organics pickups for residences in the most heavily hit areas. Call 480-350-4311 to report the needs for your neighborhood. Please cut your trees to less than four feet in length and 19” in diameter so that it can be picked up. Residents have two options for debris placement:
- Curbside Collection: Place all items on your property line, in the street or front edge of driveway. Do not block the sidewalk.
- Alley Collection: Place all items in the alley along your fence line. Do not block the alley.
- Rent a roll-off container from Tempe.
- Chop up the debris and contact a landscaper for cleanup if you require a more immediate response.
What to do if your home is unlivable
The City of Tempe and the American Red Cross are providing a temporary emergency shelter at Escalante Multi-Generational Center, 2150 E. Orange St. Anyone displaced by the storm may go there to receive assistance.
Sonesta ES Suites Tempe (5075 S. Priest Drive) and Sonesta Simply Suites (1335 W. Baseline Road) are offering special rates for displaced residents. Contact Catherine Alexander at catherine.alexander@sonesta.com or 480-777-0440 to make a reservation.
Bicycle Cellar is offering free bike storage for displaced residents who need a place to temporarily store a bike.
U-Haul is offering people affected by the storms a free 30-day self-storage and U-Box container. The offer is valid for all Arizona locations.
What to do if you think you might have a gas leak
If you suspect a gas leak, call 911 and Southwest Gas at 877-860-6020. You do not need to be a customer to call Southwest Gas.
What city facilities are closed?
- Jaycee Park Splash Pad is closed
- Palmer Park playground is closed; the rest of the park remains open
- Clark Park dog park is closed but the rest of the park remains open
- Kiwanis Park north parking lot and pathway around the lake are closed.
- Corbell, Jaycee and Papago parks have sustained tree damage but remain open.
- Select courts at Kiwanis Tennis Center remain closed due to damage from a previous storm.
If you are out in our public spaces, please be careful and aware of your surroundings. If you see damaged trees, especially hanging limbs, please call 480-350-4311.
How to help
Tempe Community Action Agency is ready to accept food and hygiene donations. They are also available to help anyone impacted by the storm. TCAA is located at 2146 E. Apache Blvd. People may donate funds online. The agency is especially in need of these items:
- Meats
- Eggs
- Instant potatoes
- Rice
- Beans
- Dried milk
- Shelf-stable items
- Hygiene products
