Category Archives: Hazardous Weather Warning

Winter weather advisory for tonight through Friday night

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WILLIAMS – A thin sheet of ice across Santa Fe dam reservoir and other area lakes show the effects of the winter temperatures Williams has experienced the last few days. Aftera winter of spring-like weather, temperatures have dropped and snow has moved in.

Tonight snow showers are likely after 11 p.m. with a low of 21 overnight. Winds of 16 to 20-mph are expected with gusts as high as 36. 1 to 2-inches of snow are possible.

Snow will continue Friday with a hight near 29. Winds of 11 to 16-mph could gust as high as 32. Chance of 1 to 3 inches of snow over Friday. The chance of snow before 11 p.m. with a new snow accumulation of a half-inch possible. The low is expected to be around 9-degrees, but a northwest wind of 6 to 9-mph may create a wind chill factor of -2.

Saturday the weather turns sunny, with a high near 34. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Sun is expected to reign until Monday night when the chance of snow begins to rise again.

Flagstaff can expect slightly higher winds and a couple more inches of snow.

Winter storm coming through

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WILLIAMS – Please be careful and slow down on the highways and freeways the next couple of days. High winds will likely affect high-profile vehicles and snow and rain will cause the roads to become icy overnight. Watch for snow plows on the highways and keep clear of them.

We are currently in a high wind advisory through Monday night. Today the winds are expected to reach 23-mph with gusts up to 41. On Washington’s Birthday, winds could reach 30-mph with gusts up to 48-mph. Winds will calm over Tuesday.

Rain and snow is expected to start tonight with less than an inch of accumulation. Snow will continue Monday with up to 3-inches possible. Another inch may be possible over Monday night.

Wednesday should be clear with a high near 36. Thursday is mostly sunny with a high near 40. Snow may come back in Thursday through Friday night.

Monsoon rain hits hard

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WILLIAMS – The monsoon rain today hit hard flooding the streets and sending tourists scurrying for cover. The rain started about 2:15 and by 2:30 p.m. the streets were flowing. Many drivers seemed to forget about turning their lights on. The rain lightened up a bit in about 20 minutes, but continued to fall by 3:10 p.m. Lightning continued through the period and there is no telling when it will let up. This is the hardest rain this monsoon season so far. Residents and visitors should take care to watch out for flash flooding.
The chance for thunderstorms remains at 50% through Tuesday during the day, mainly after 11 p.m. It drops to 30% overnight. Lightning and flash floods are, of course, the main hazards during this period.

Summer to start off with hottest day of the year

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WILLIAMS – The first day of summer may turn out to be the hottest day of the year with the temperature expected to be 96-degrees. You may be able to cool off by going to Flagstaff which expects a temperature of 95-degrees. The Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through Thursday evening when temperatures will start to drop off. Light winds are expected through Thursday.

With temperatures on the rise, we caution people about keeping animals in cars even with windows slightly open. Police are allowed to break windows if they feel that dogs are in danger.

Mosquitoes have started to make their presence known, as well. Make sure you stock up on your favorite mosquito repellent. Make sure you empty outdoor water sources, such as tires, birdbaths etc., to reduce areas where mosquitoes lay eggs.

High winds tomorrow; possible snow next week

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Sunset tonight.

WILLIAMS – Winds picked up today and are expected to increase tomorrow. Winds are expected to be 10 to 15-mph tomorrow with gusts of 33. They are expected to increase tomorrow night, 17 to 22-mph, with gusts in the 30s. Temperatures will remain in the 60s, dropping to 59 starting Sunday.

The high winds are a cause for concern for campfires and barbecues. We remind people to be careful with fire.

Tuesday a slight chance of showers start up again with a chance of rain and snow beginning Wednesday night through Thursday. A chance of thunder is possible.

It should clear up again on Friday with temperatures rising back to the 60s.

High wind advisory continues through 11 tonight

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WILLIAMS – Strong winds started this morning and continued throughout the day blowing in dark clouds and possible snow tonight. There is a possibility of some lightning. There is a 60% chance of snow tonight dropping as snow continues through Saturday morning. Overall there is a possibility of about one-inch throughout the period. The weather should clear and start to warm up through next week with the exception of a slight chance of snow on Monday. Snow may continue in Flagstaff through Saturday.

4″ to 7″ of snow possible through Tuesday

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WILLIAMS – Breezy conditions lasts throughout the day with a 30% chance of snow Sunday during the day. Little or no snow accumulation is expected. Winds today 7 to 16-mph with gusts of 23 overnight. Winds tomorrow will drop slightly.

Monday you can expect high winds with less than a half-inch of snow during the day with a possible 4″ to 6″ overnight.

Tuesday there is a 60% chance of snow during the day with 2″ possible. It should clear up over Tuesday night and return to sunny and warm Wednesday.

Prepare for next storm, traffic if heading to play in the snow Sunday

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PHOENIX ‒ Planning a trip to play in the snow Sunday? Leave prepared for heavy traffic around popular snow-play sites and the potential for more winter weather to arrive as early as Sunday afternoon.

Highway conditions can deteriorate quickly during severe weather as snow accumulates and drivers struggle, and closures can happen suddenly and be prolonged.

Your trip preparations should begin with packing a fully charged cellphone, drinking water, and winter coats, warm blankets or both. Among other winter driving tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow, you should take: healthy snacks; gloves, scarves, caps and extra socks; necessary medications; an ice scraper; a flashlight with extra batteries; a small folding shovel for snow removal; and a small bag of sand or cat litter for wheel traction.

Plan your route and let someone know where you are going.

If you plan to visit snow-play areas along US 180 near Flagstaff, prepare to spend extended time in winter weather – and to face heavy traffic and delays getting back to Flagstaff that increase as the day goes on. The Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau lists the locations of all Flagstaff-area snow-play locations at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Snowplay link) and offers a hotline at 844-256-SNOW with the latest snow conditions.

If you’re heading south from US 180 at day’s end, you can save time getting to Interstate 17 once you reach Flagstaff by taking a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Drive and Route 66, then heading west to I-17.

Wherever you go, don’t park along highways or interstates or on freeway interchange ramps to play in the snow (the photo above shows vehicles parked on a ramp at the Interstate 17/Stoneman Lake Road interchange). That’s dangerous for you, other drivers and first responders. It exacerbates traffic congestion and makes it more difficult for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s snowplows to clear snow and ice. Park in designated areas away from highways.

The latest National Weather Service forecast for Arizona’s high country says the next winter storm is expected to enter the region as early as Sunday afternoon. It has the potential to produce significant snow and rain by late Sunday, though the exact timing remains uncertain.

Even if it isn’t snowing on your trip uphill, drive for conditions, slow down and avoid accelerating suddenly. Melting snow can turn into ice overnight, particularly around bridges. Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead to avoid sudden braking.

Give snowplows a wide berth, staying at least four car lengths behind. Never pass a snowplow that’s clearing a road. Remember: The safest place on the road when it’s snowing is behind a plow.

ADOT’s Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook (facebook.com/AZDOT) accounts are excellent sources of information on traffic conditions, as is the ADOT Traveler Information site available at az511.gov or by calling 511.

Snow still coming down

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WILLIAMS – Snow was light throughout the day Friday, but started up again about 6:30 p.m. The biggest danger, however, was the high winds blowing snow and lowering visibility. Traffic in Williams was light and, surprisingly, there were few incidents along the freeway.

Williams can expect up to 12-inches tonight with another 3-inches throughout the day tomorrow. The winter storm warning will cease tomorrow at 11 a.m., but the snow is expected to continue through Monday with another 8-inches possible. There is a possibility of snow Monday night and Tuesday with little more accumulation expected.

Wednesday this storm will finally pass and the sun will return. Temperatures will remain in the 30s and below freezing overnight.

Amateur radio operators prepare to activate Amateur Radio Emergency Service

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FLAGSTAFF – The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES – Pronounced air-ease) is a component of the Amateur Radio Relay League. They activate in times of natural or man-made disaster. ARES in Flagstaff is operated by the Coconino Amateur Radio Club. There has recently been a move to create a group in Williams.

ARES was not activated during the recent Christmas eve storm, but may be activated by Coconino County Emergency Management Friday and Saturday in preparation for what may occur during the upcoming storm.

SKYWARN weather spotters are also encouraged to report snow fall amounts and unusual weather conditions. SKYWARN is sponsored by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). You can also monitor the NOAA weather frequencies available on most FRS/GMRS radios. You can learn more about SKYWARN at their web site.

ARES operators in Flagstaff and Williams will monitor the ARES repeater located on Mount Elden in Flagstaff. Williams operators will also be monitoring the repeater located on Bill Williams Mountain operated by the Bill Williams Mountain Radio Club for emergency traffic. GMRS channel 22 will also be monitored for emergency traffic. Unless you have a GMRS license, you may only use channels 15-22 of FRS/GMRS multi-use radios to call for help to prevent loss of life or property according to FCC regulations.

There are no provisions currently in place to monitor citizens band Channel 9.

The Bill Williams Mountain repeater operates on Frequency 146.780, tone of 91.5 with a standard negative offset of 600 hertz. The ARES repeater operates on 146.980, tone of 162.2 with a standard negative offset. In Williams, operators have agreed on the frequency of 146.940 for SIMPLEX communications. The cooperation of amateur operators in keeping these free for emergency traffic if ARES activates is appreciated.

The operators attempting to form an emergency communications group has a Facebook page for more information.