Landscape Photography of Snow Pathway | Pexels by Simon Berger
Landscape Photography of Snow Pathway | Pexels by Simon Berger
The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting three to four Winter storm systems to affect much of Coconino County from Tuesday night through Sunday. These systems are predicted be more impactful than recent storms in Northern Arizona.
7-Mile Stretch of Lake Mary Road Closed in Advance
The first system is predicted to begin tonight and bring heavy snowfall accumulations of 6 inches in lower elevations of Coconino County and upwards of 8 - 12 inches in Flagstaff, Williams, Forest Lakes, and the Kaibab Plateau by Thursday morning. Snow showers are expected to continue Thursday through Sunday.
Extreme winds are forecast for late Tuesday night through Wednesday with speeds of up to 60 mph and possible white-out conditions. Temperatures will be in the single digits and possibly below zero with wind chill. NWS has a high-wind warning map with speed forecasts throughout the county.
County snowplows and graders are being staged to begin plowing County roads as soon as snow begins.
Supplies for Power Outages
Coconino County Emergency Management requests the public prepare immediately for possible power outages due to high winds.
Stock up on non-perishable foods, baby formula, pet supplies, and medications.
Be sure to have a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and a back-up phone charger.
Do not use propane stoves or grills indoors for heat or cooking; this is an extreme danger for carbon dioxide poisoning.
Check the APS outage map for current conditions or to report a power interruption.
Roads and Interstates
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Coconino County Public Works Department has closed a seven-mile stretch of Lake Mary Road, also known as Forest Highway 3 (FH-3), due to upcoming high winds and drifting snow from a large snowstorm that is forecast to impact the region starting tonight. During this closure traffic will detour along the West Side Mormon Lake Road, which loops Mormon Lake and goes through Mormon Lake Village. Travel is expected to be especially dangerous this week due to snow and high winds. There will likely be road and interstate closures, travel to and from Coconino County for recreation is not recommended. For information regarding County maintained roads, please call Public Works at 928-679- 8300 during business hours (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).
Warming Shelters
Coconino County Emergency Management in partnership with the American Red Cross is preparing emergency warming shelters. Locations will be determined and announced when/if the shelters are needed.
Original source can be found here.
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