Category Archives: Hazardous Weather Warning

More weather coming in for Easter

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WILLIAMS – The NOAA Weather service has issued a wind advisory, today, starting around 11 a.m. with temperature around 55-degrees. It should remain clear through Saturday during the day with rain and snow starting Saturday night through Tuesday of next week. Up to 10-inches of snow is possible.

Saturday night there is a chance of rain and snow showers before 10 pm, then snow showers. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow, mainly between 1am and 4am. Low around 28. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

On Easter Sunday snow showers are likely. Patchy blowing snow before 7 am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Southwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday Night there is a 40-percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. South wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Snow showers are likely on Monday mainly after 11 am. Some thunder is also possible. It is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. West wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night there is a 20 percent chance of snow showers before 11 pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind 7 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 17 mph.

On Tuesday night there is a 20 percent chance of showers after 11 am. It is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Northeast wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. It will clear up Tuesday night and should remain so through Thursday.

On the NOAA Facebook page, they report, “It’s been over 20 years since we’ve had over 100″ of snow in back-to-back years here in Flagstaff. With 96″ on the books so far this Winter, we’re very likely to bust 100″ again with the storm coming this weekend and early next week. But, before the rain/snow comes the wind. A Wind Advisory is in effect for Friday, with even stronger winds expected on Saturday. Here’s some of the winds we’re expecting on Saturday. Not only will travel be difficult for high-profile vehicles, but blowing dust may be an issue across NE AZ.”

Major weather impact predicted through Tuesday

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Northern Arizona – Travel from any point to Flagstaff will be very difficult over the next couple of days. The weather service expects white-out conditions and heavy snow starting Monday morning through to Tuesday morning. High winds and blowing snow could pose a major hazard for travelers along I-40 and especially I-17 around the areas of Kachina Village and Munds Park south of Flagstaff.

According to the weather service, snow levels will be from 4000′ – 5000′ tonight dropping to 2000′ by Tuesday. The possible levels in the area are 15-21″ in Flagstaff, 16-22 in Williams, 6-10″ in Chino Valley and 7-11″ in Seligman. Snow fall could reach 1″ an hour over Monday during the day and Monday night.

Temperatures will drop to the single-digits for the upper elevations to the lower teens for elevations below 4000′. A winter storm warning may be issued by the weather service starting Monday morning.

If you must travel during these periods, remember NOT to get right behind a snowplow on the freeways hoping to get clearer roads. The snowplow stop and change directions frequently and you could be involved in an accident. Stay clear of snow plows.

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) was activated yesterday and will be monitoring tonight starting about 6 p.m. through the storm. They will be monitoring the repeaters on Bill Williams and in particular the 146.780 (-91.5) repeater and 146.980 (-162.2) repeater on Mount Elden. Should the repeaters fail, they monitor 146.980 simplex.

NOAA Wind Advisory Monday

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WILLIAMS – The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from noon to 7 p.m. Monday, March 23. The winds are expected to be 20- to 35-mph with gusts up to 50-mph. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. In addition, winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

I addition there is a 70% chance of rain and snow during Monday during the day with a 10% chance of rain early Monday night. Little or no snow accumulation is expected. Tuesday will be sunny with 52-degree high. Clouds will return Tuesday night through Wednesday with a chance of snow returning Thursday. It should clear up Friday night and return to sunny with temperatures around 50-degrees.

Winter Storm Watch

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From Coconino County Emergency Management

In partnership with the National Weather Service WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH EARLY THURSDAY MORNING ABOVE 6000 FEET Winter Storm Watch issued March 16 at 3:06PM MST until March 19 at 6:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ * WHAT…Heavy snow possible above 6000 feet. Total snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts of 16 inches possible. * WHERE…Areas above 6000 feet near Alpine, Doney Park, Flagstaff, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard, Jacob Lake, Pinetop- Lakeside, Show Low and Williams. * WHEN…From Wednesday morning through early Thursday morning. * IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning or evening commute. Snow forecast from 6 AM Wednesday to 6 AM Thursday: Alpine 6 to 10 inches Doney Park 2 to 4 inches Flagstaff 8 to 12 inches Forest Lakes 9 to 15 inches Heber-Overgaard 3 to 5 inches Jacob Lake 4 to 8 inches Pinetop-Lkside 5 to 9 inches Show Low 3 to 5 inches Williams 8 to 12 inches.

Moisture moving in may bring flash floods

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WILLIAMS — A moist airmass over Arizona with the potential of heavy rain producing thunderstorm complexes caused the National Weather service to issue a flash flood watch in portions of east central and west central Arizona. The areas affected are northern Gila County, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, Yavapai County Mountains, and Yavapai County Valleys and Basins. Rainfall rates can result in strong, rapidly rising water in area washes, which may create hazardous conditions at low water crossings. . Localized rainfall amounts could exceed 1 inch in less than an hour, with storm total rainfall possibly above 3 inches. The Flash Flood Watch runs from September 23 at 3:19AM MST until September 24 at 5:00AM MST.

NOAA warns against crossing flooded roads and low-laying areas. No matter how powerful your vehicle, it does not take much water flow to carry it downstream.

In Williams there is an 40% chance of thunderstorms raising to 80% tonight. Thunderstorms are likely through Sunday.

Big storm Thursday

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WILLIAMS – A winter storm watch has been issued by the NOAA starting Wednesday night and running through Friday during the day. There is a possibility of 17″ to 28″ through Friday night. High winds are expected through out the period.

2″ to 4″ is expected to fall overnight Wednesday. 9″ to 13″ is expected Thursday during the day with 5″ to 9″ overnight. Friday during the day 1″ to 2″ more is possible clearing over Friday night. Flagstaff is predicted to have a few inches less than Williams over the same period.

8.5″ of snow from the last storm.

That, of course, is not the end of the story. The snow may be heavy at times so city crews may not be able to start snow removal until Friday at the earliest.

Starting now, it is time to get extra water and food for your family and animals. By Sunday travel should be getting back to normal. If you have no where to go, however, it might be a good idea to stay home.

The last storm left a beautiful blanket of snow, but made forest roads bad.

If you have extra power packs to recharge phones and pads, you may want to charge them up. Charge any batteries you have for alternate forms of communications. Get extra batteries for flashlights and radios. Anticipate power and cell phone outages.

First snow hits Williams

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Good morning, Williams. First snow of the year.

Storm leave broken branches behind.

WILLIAMS – Williams was hit, last night, with a furious thunderstorm that left behind broken branches and the first blanket of snow for the year.

The storm began about 8:50 last night dousing Williams in rain and producing a light show of lightning. In the morning Williams was left with a thin blanket of snow in the streets. Heavy winds broke branches off of trees across the City.

There is a 70% chance of more snow turning to thunderstorms and rain today. Thunderstorms are likely overnight and into the day Monday. It is expected to clear over Monday night and become clear and sunny through Wednesday. Thursday more showers are expected to move in.

The Polar Express car gets a hint of Christmas.

Would you believe snow Thursday and Friday?

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WILLIAMS – After a RED FLAG warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. tonight, winds should die down Tuesday and Wednesday. Winds will be around 14-mph with gusts up to 21-mph. Temperature should be 52-degrees Tuesday and rise to 61 Wednesday.

On Thursday there will be a 30% chance of showers after 5 p.m. with a temperature of 57. Overnight a 30 % snow with some thunder is possible with a low of 31-degrees. On Friday, a chance of snow showers before noon, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers between noon and 1pm, then a slight chance of rain showers after 1pm. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday night the precipitation should clear with a low around 33. The sun will come out over the weekend with temperatures in the 60s.

Campfire Safety Urged This Weekend on Kaibab National Forest

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WILLIAMS – Kaibab National Forest fire managers would like to remind visitors and the public to use extreme caution with campfires and any other activity that could potentially cause a wildfire as the weekend approaches.

Although there are currently no fire restrictions in effect on the forest, a dry cold front will bring stronger southwest winds into the area this weekend. Temperatures will be noticeably cooler however very dry conditions will endure increasing the threat for critical fire weather. A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for all of northern Arizona beginning Wednesday afternoon. Winds are expected to be up to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph today and 22 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph on Thursday. Although red flag conditions are not yet set for Friday, winds will be 15 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

“When fuel moistures and relative humidity remain low, fire can spread just as fast even when cold temperatures exist” said Fred Phillips Fire Prevention Officer on the Williams Ranger District. “Historically we have seen more unwanted human caused wildfires occur during this time of year when these type of conditions exist.”

We welcome people to visit and enjoy a wide variety of unique recreational opportunities the forest has to offer, but emphasize the message that there is always a need to be responsible with campfires.

The following tips for ensuring a safe visit to the Kaibab National Forest are recommended:

  1. Never abandon or leave a campfire unattended.
  2. Have a shovel and plenty of water on hand to put it out. “Drown, Stir, and Feel!”
  3. Ensure the area surrounding your campfire is free of any burnable materials.
  4. Use existing campfire rings to minimize impact to the surrounding soil.
  5. Remember fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest Lands.
  6. Dispose of all trash and debris in appropriate receptacles.

    Remember that if a fire starts no matter what precautions you take, evacuate the area immediately. Do not try to pack up your stuff and do not try to fight the fire yourself. When you get to a safe location call 911.

    As weather conditions become warmer and drier, fire managers will continue to assess the need to implement fire restrictions. Forest visitors may call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 for current conditions and the status of fire restrictions. To find out if fire restrictions are in effect anywhere in Arizona, visit www.firerestrictions.us/az.

With snow forecast, don’t get blindsided on highways

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PHOENIX – With snow forecast Friday in Arizona’s high country, please don’t take lightly the power and unpredictability of a winter storm as well as the potential for it to leave you stranded on a highway.

Arizona Department of Transportation snowplows will be out in force, but driving conditions are hazardous during winter weather. A highway can close suddenly if enough snow falls in a brief period or if there are crashes, slide-offs or both. That happened during Monday’s snowstorm, when northbound I-17 climbing out of the Verde Valley closed for several hours due to a serious crash.

The safest decision when snow falls is delaying travel until the storm passes and highways have been cleared. In addition to the obvious danger if your vehicle and others are stuck on or along a snow-covered highway, stranded vehicles also make clearing the roadway much more difficult and time-consuming for ADOT’s snowplows.

Before deciding whether and when to travel, check weather reports and get the latest highway conditions by visiting ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, calling 511 or reviewing ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT). When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

If delaying travel isn’t possible, leave prepared for the possibility that you’ll spend extended time in winter conditions. Pack an emergency kit with items like extra blankets, warm clothes, food and water, cat litter or sand for traction, a first-aid kit and a fully charged cellphone.

Those looking to head up north this weekend to play in snow should remember that highway shoulders are for emergencies only. In addition to endangering you and your passengers, parking on a highway shoulder to play in the snow can distract other drivers and interfere with first responders who may need to use the shoulder.

Those heading to popular snow-play areas should be prepared to spend significant time on the road, as traffic at day’s end is often heavy on highways including US 180 northwest of Flagstaff. Locations of designated snow-play areas around Flagstaff are available at flagstaffarizona.org/winter or by calling 1-844-256-SNOW.

Slow down and drive for the conditions you’re in. Be sure to leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

Give snowplows plenty of room to work. Avoid passing a plow until the driver pulls aside to let traffic by.