News Summary
In the wake of severe storms that struck Arizona, U-Haul is providing 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box rentals for impacted residents. The severe weather caused substantial damage, particularly in Tempe, leading to an urgent need for storage solutions. The initiative aims to assist those displaced and affected by the storms, as local agencies work on recovery efforts and community support.
Arizona is experiencing a significant recovery effort following a series of powerful storms that hit on Monday, causing extensive damage across multiple cities. In response, U-Haul has announced that all of its 90 company stores in the state will offer 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container usage to residents affected by the storms.
This initiative is designed to assist individuals and families who have been impacted by severe weather conditions, particularly in cities like Tempe. A microburst in Tempe generated winds of up to 100 mph, leading to significant destruction of homes and businesses and displacing more than 130 individuals. Many of these residents are now in urgent need of storage solutions while they assess and address the damages.
In addition to Tempe, numerous communities in Gila County have reported significant flooding, and parts of Tucson also faced considerable residential damage. U-Haul’s free self-storage offer will only apply to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is subject to availability at each location.
The U-Box portable container service provides on-site storage at U-Haul facilities, with delivery available for an additional fee, making it a flexible option for those needing to store their belongings away from their damaged properties. Residents can locate participating U-Haul stores through the company’s website or by contacting local offices. Areas affected by the offer include Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, and Tucson.
The storms resulted in over 34,000 power outages across the region, although most have since been restored. In Tempe alone, the city reported that more than 550 homes and over 70 small businesses suffered damage. The surge in emergency calls was evident as Tempe fire officials noted a 50% increase in response volume, with over 100 calls made during and after the storms.
To facilitate recovery efforts, Tempe’s Mayor signed an emergency declaration, allowing for expedited access to funding for storm recovery. The city is actively working alongside the American Red Cross to provide a temporary shelter at the Escalante Multi-Generational Center for those displaced by the storms.
The city has also outlined guidelines to help residents cope with fallen trees and debris management and has introduced donation options for those who wish to support affected individuals. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service confirmed that a microburst was to blame for the severe weather conditions experienced in the area. As part of its commitment to disaster response, U-Haul is recognized as an official American Red Cross Disaster Responder and remains focused on aiding communities during emergencies.
Local agencies are mobilizing to assess ongoing damages and plan debris removal in the coming days. As recovery efforts continue, U-Haul’s storage initiative offers critical support to Arizonans facing uncertainty in the aftermath of these storms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZ Family: U-Haul Offering Free Storage
- Wikipedia: Storm
- AZ Family: Arizona Storm Relief
- Google Search: Arizona storm relief
- KTAR: Microburst Storm Damage
- Google Scholar: Storm damage recovery
- AZ Family: Tempe Mayor Emergency Declaration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Natural Disasters
- AZ Family: Phoenix Zoo Reopening Delayed
- Google News: Arizona storm news
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
