Category Archives: Weather

Williams receives a weather respite

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Rain drops rippled puddles this morning.

Rain drops rippled puddles this morning.

WILLIAMS – The Zip Line ride in downtown Williams opened this afternoon as the city received a respite from the hailstorm of yesterday. The rain continued throughout the night and into this morning.

140803-18-hail

No. That green thing is a real softball.

The good news is that the ground is so saturated that puddles are forming throughout the town. This limits the fire danger considerably. This is particularly helpful since the Kaibab Forest service plans to continue managed burns. Patches of hail remain from the storm yesterday.

The forecast shows a 40% chance of thunderstorms throughout the night which has already started as of this writing. The low is expected to be about 54 with south southeast wind around 8 mph.

Here's mud in your face.

Here’s mud in your face.

Tomorrow there is a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. It will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. The wind will be south 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tomorrow night there is a 30 percent chance of thundershower activity with winds just slightly less.

Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be clear with a chance of thunderstorms beginning again on Thursday.

The weather for Flagstaff is essentially identical and the weather service has issued a warning about possible localized flooding for the area.

Williams experiences global cooling

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Williams drenched by rain and hail.

Williams drenched by rain and hail.

WILLIAMS – The City of Williams was deluged, today, by a short duration of rain and hail. It hailed so heavily that there appeared to be piles of snow on the ground and traffic slowed to the speed limit.

Williams was enjoying a warm day when the rain and hail hit about 1 pm. Electricity went out for about a minute. The ground was still so warm that in some areas steam began to rise creating a thin fog. The temperature dropped drastically and as of this writing is still cool.

Five Feet High and Rising

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buckskin-risingWILLIAMS – The current monsoon season seems to have done some good for Williams. You will probably not see a difference looking at Santa Fe dam or some of the other reservoirs.

The Buckskinner Park reservoir is a bit different. It is easier to see the water rise against the dam built there.

In May when both the dam at Buckskinner and Santa Fe are expected to be overflowing, the water in both was lowering.

A recent picture a few days ago shows that the water is clearly rising.

As for future precipitation, there is a 20% chance of rain before 11pm tonight dropping to 10% chance tomorrow. It will be partly cloudy Sunday returning to clear on Monday. There is a slight chance of rain the rest of the week.

Rain probable through Tuesday

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20140524 136WILLIAMS – The monsoons appear to be building up strength, again, according to the long range weather forecast. The outlook for both Flagstaff and Williams are virtually the same.

Tomorrow the chance for precipitation and lightning is 50% rising to 60% on Monday. The chance drops back to 50% Monday night and Tuesday. Winds will be nominal about 3- to 8-mph throughout the same period.

The weather service warns of moderate to heavy rainfall.

Independence celebration in Williams

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“And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism again obscure the science and liberties of Europe, this country remains to preserve and restore light and liberty to them. In short, the flames kindled on the 4th. of July 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism. On the contrary they will consume those engines, and all who work them.” — Thomas Jefferson, September 12, 1821 letter to friend John Adams.

star-spangled-bannerWILLIAMS – The small town celebration of Independence in the city of Williams is filled with everything except fireworks. The only fireworks display will come from the possible thunderstorms through the weekend. Very little precipitation is expected.

The celebration by celebrating the birth date of one of the cities most prominent citizens born on the day Congress declared independence from Great Britain on July 2d. After Congress voted for independence, John Adams wrote a letter to his beloved Abigail which included this oft quoted selection:

“But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.- I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by Solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfire and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. – I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. – Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

Despite the limitations, Williams will move forward with a full weekend of activities. In addition to the planned activities, you can also plan a trip to the Grand Canyon with Marvelous Marv’s Private Grand Canyon Tour. Drive through Bearizona wild life park and check out the animals up close in the walk through area. Or take a ride on the Zipline on Railroad Avenue.

When you get hungry, you can try out one of the restaurants in Williams noted by the award winning Arizona Highways magazine. Twister’s on the east end of town, Red Raven in the Grand Canyon Hotel on Second Avenue, and the most recently honored Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe. We suggest you try the signature Canyon Burrito. All of these establishments are located right along historic Route 66.

KIWANIS CLUB “ROUTE 66 STREET MARKET” (JULY 4-6) Every weekend starts on Friday with the Kiwanis Club Route 66 Street Market to support Kiwanis scholarships. The market is located on Railroad Avenue across the street from Williams Memorial Park on the west end of town. For more info contact Bud 928-635-4393.
20140603-Williams Memorial Park Stock Photo 025
WORLD MISSION FUND RAISER (JULY 4) 11am. BBQ, chicken on a stick, hot dogs, sno-cones, drinks, bounce house, balloon toss, cupcake walk, watermelon eating contest. Free activities for kids. Family Harvest Church 220 S. Seventh Street. More information 928 635 5208

COMMUNITY EVENT (July 4th) 1pm-6pm Williams and Forest Service Visitor Parking Lot on the corner of Railroad Ave and Grand Canyon Blvd. Community Prayer at 1:00pm. 2pm-6pm Food, games, crafters. For more information 928 635-0273 x 210.

TRACTOR DISPLAY – (JULY 4-6) from 9am-6pm- Hit & Miss engine and Tractors. Located on 2nd street and Route 66

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION – (July 4th) Noon-4pm Williams Aquatic Center (RAILROAD AVE) Hot Dogs, Door Prizes, Fun, Games, families Welcome, Free Community Swim 12pm-4pm. Free Lunch from noon-2pm. Sponsored by Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center.

COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (July 4th) 4pm Ice Cream Social4pm. 127 W. Sherman Ave.
Call 928 6352511 for more information.

STAR GAZING (JULY 4) 7:30 pm-9:30 pm Glassburn Park, natural area. Bring your own telescope or observe the night sky through the large telescopes provided by the Coconino Astronomical Society. Bring a blanket, chair and a friend.

HOME TOWN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE (JULY 4) 6:30 pm. This year’s theme is “Pride in Our Past…Faith in Our Future.” Parade down old Route 66. Bring your Red White and Blue!

WORLD SERIES OF TEAM ROPING QUALIFIER (JULY 4-7) Fuller productions, where team ropers compete in the best team roping event in Arizona. Located at the rodeo grounds (800 Rodeo Road). Call 928.692.8465 for more information.

STEAM TO THE CANYON (JULY 5) Celebrate the 4th of July weekend by riding the historic locomotive #4960 to the Grand Canyon. www.thetrain.com

Drivers reminded to ‘Pull Aside, Stay Alive’ during monsoon season

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adot-logo3PHOENIX – Pull Aside, Stay Alive.

That’s the familiar message to drivers from the Arizona Department of Transportation as another summer monsoon season approaches.

For the third year, ADOT continues its efforts to educate drivers about the threat of dust storms as monsoon season officially begins in Arizona on June 15. ADOT and its partners – the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service – show motorists the real meaning of “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” with new television and radio public-education announcements that focus on the devastating outcomes for drivers who try to drive through dust storms.

The new public-education announcement focuses on a recent dust-related fatal crash along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. The “911 Call” announcement illustrates what can happen to drivers who do not heed the “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” message. Audio of 911 calls from the crash are heard against visuals of emergency personnel moving among crushed vehicles and semi-trucks surrounded by blowing dust.

ADOT’s mission is to provide valuable information to drivers before they get caught in a low-visibility dust storm. The agency’s top recommendation is to avoid driving into a wall of dust at all costs.

“Driving into a dust storm is very dangerous, but the key is that oftentimes it can be avoided,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Drivers must be ready to alter their plans if there is a threat of a dust storm. It’s better to change plans than try to power through dangerous conditions. But if you’re on the road and a dust storm suddenly appears near you, pull off the highway as quickly and safely as possible. Never drive through a dust storm. It’s not a risk worth taking.”

Because dust storms can develop very quickly, particularly along the Interstate 10 corridor between Phoenix and Tucson, ADOT uses several methods to get information to drivers. These include electronic highway message boards, social and traditional media, communication with ADOT staff and law enforcement officers in the field, television and radio advertising, and close coordination with partnering agencies.

Throughout this week, which is Arizona Monsoon Awareness Week, ADOT will be using social media to engage Arizonans in spreading the word to “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.” There will be posts on the ADOT Blog (azdot.gov/blog), Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) and Twitter account (twitter.com/ArizonaDOT).

Please visit PullAsideStayAlive.org for the new public-education video along with videos from past years. The website also includes a tip sheet, which ADOT encourages drivers to print and keep handy in their vehicle.

Tips for drivers who encounter a dust storm:

  1. Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
  2. If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  3. Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  4. Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  5. Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel.
  6. Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
  7. Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  8. Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  9. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.
  10. A driver’s alertness and safe driving ability are always the top factors in preventing crashes.

Does Slide Rock fire portend foreboding for Williams?

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The Twin Fire of October 2009 near Williams caused by an out-of-control prescribed burn. (Photo Marv Mason from I-40)

The Twin Fire of October 2009 near Williams caused by an out-of-control prescribed burn. (Photo Marv Mason from I-40)

WILLIAMS – The dry winter season has caused the reservoirs in Williams to start to dry up. These reservoirs not only provide drinking water, but a source of fire fighting water for the forests.

20091004-029Williams has not seen a major fire since a prescribed burn went out of control resulting in the Twin Fires of October 2009. Two prescribed burns were swept by winds to join into a conflagration that caused concern and evacuations of portions of the City of Williams.

At that time water in Williams was plentiful.

Mayor John Moore of Williams optimistically stated that we probably have enough non-potable water in Santa Fe, Gonzales Lake and other reservoirs to fight a fire. He is not anxious, however, to test the theory. Williams would have access to the Hot Shots, air craft and other fire resources currently combating the Slide Rock fire.

“The Slide Rock fire is a bad situation,” Mayor Moore said. “I am sorry for those people. I’m happy we don’t have a fire here, but that doesn’t mean that it couldn’t occur here. Particularly looking at the thunderstorm situation predicted for this weekend. Those are actually fire starters.”

Williams normally experiences high winds during this time frame which generally rescind, for the most part, after Memorial Day. Winds are expected to be between 7 to 13 mph with gusts up to 24 mph through Thursday night. The long range forecast for this week shows a chance of thunderstorms through Memorial Day with a 20% chance of precipitation Thursday night rising to 30% Friday night.

The question is whether or not there will be enough precipitation to keep the Kaibab Forest around Williams open.

“I will be talking to the forest service tomorrow [May 20] to see if they have got any new plans; what their intentions are,” Moore said. “Right now if they said ‘Close her down’ I would support them 100%. I hate to loose the business—and we are going to loose business—but that’s our livelihood for years to come.”

Weather good for weekend events until Saturday

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soar

Photo – City of Flagstaff web site.

FLAGSTAFF, WILLIAMS – The National Weather Service long-range forecast shows mostly clear skies with cool temperatures for the heavenly viewing at the Glassburn Natural area across from the laundry and Rod’s Steak House on Railroad avenue. Everyone is welcome to come and take a peek through the telescopes set up by the Coconino Astronomical Society. The viewing starts at 7:30 and will end around 9:30.

Saturday there is a 10% chance of showers, but that is after 11 pm. Plenty of time to take the Art Walk sponsored by The Gallery in the Grand Canyon Hotel in downtown Williams. The walk along route 66 will begin at 6 pm and end at 9. Contact Kris or Tom Williams 928-635-3006 for more information.

The riders of the Queencreek Junior Rodeo might find it a bit wet on Sunday with a 20% chance of showers, but Saturday should be fine for the two day event. Saturday and Sunday the gates open at 8 am at the Bob Dean Rodeo grounds across the street from the Old Trails hardware store on Rodeo Road. The Queencreek Junior Rodeo Association is dedicated to providing a family environment in which children can obtain and develop basic rodeo skills. For more information contact Kelly Martin 928-899-2943 or visit www.qcjra.org

The chance of rain in Flagstaff on Sunday is 10% higher. The big event in Flagstaff, however, is their 12th annual Soar into Spring Kite Festival on Saturday. The event is free and open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm. The event is held at Foxglenn Park, 4200 Butler Avenue in Flagstaff. Most events are free, but there is a $3 wristband for certain rides, laser tag and other events.

There is always Marvelous Marv’s Private Grand Canyon Tour and the Bearizona Wildlife drive through park.

The forests are still open so hiking is available, but NO SMOKING is allowed in the forest due to dry conditions. In fact no smoking is technically allowed (except inside vehicles) at the Buckskinner park reservoir which is still open for fishing.

Also do not forget Sunday is Mother’s day. There are plenty of presents right here in Williams to get her. The Briar Patch provides flowers and gifts and the Route 66 Boutique just opened next door. Treats and Treasures has an assortment of candies and gifts, including coins for coin collectors, and features homemade ice cream. The Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe, which just received an award from the Arizona Highways, will be open Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Pine Country and Rod’s Steak House will be open for Mother’s Day and on the east end of town is Twisters and Goldie’s Route 66 Diner.

Rain and snow possible Wednesday and Thursday.

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sante-fe-reservoir

Predicted precipitation probably will not stop the lowering of the Santa Fe Reservoir.

WILLIAMS – The forecast for Wednesday and Thursday from the National Weather Service shows a possibility of snow and rain with little or no snow accumulation.

For Wednesday there is a 30% chance of rain after 11 with some thunder possible. Wednesday night there is a 30% chance of rain and snow before 11 pm with snow after. Thursday there is a 10% chance of snow before 11 am followed by a slight chance of rain and snow showers.

Winds on Wednesday are predicted from the southwest 19 to 14 mph increasing to 23 to 28 mph by the afternoon. Gusts of 45 mph are possible. Winds will decrease to 9 to 14 mph after midnight. Winds on Thursday will be from the south southwest at 7 to 17 mph with gusts up to 28 mph. Winds Thursday night will be 11 to 16 mph becoming light after midnight.

The rest of the week shifts between partly cloudy and sunny with warm weather. The next chance for precipitation is next Tuesday.

Clear days ahead for Williams Weekend of Openings.

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ZiplineWILLIAMS – While high winds are possible Saturday, the weekend will be sunny and warm for your exploration of the businesses which re-opened this week.

treats-01The Zip Line ride will begin operation starting tomorrow. Eventually one of the seats will come down to be shipped to Vermont.

It was reported earlier this week that Maria’s Taco Shop on Fourth street opened. Ivo’s restaurant downtown next to the Addicted to Deals route 66 store has re-opened, as well.

Treats and Treasures at 309 West Route 66 has re-opened with new product. Along with their selection of cane sugar sodas and candy they have added a new Teriyaki Beef soda. They also carry some different souvenirs and collectible coins.

treats-02And, of course, there is Bearizona open through out the week.

Saturday is expected to be sunny, with a high near 56. Breezy, with a north wind 8 to 13 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Overnight will be clear, with a low around 27. Blustery, with a northeast wind 16 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

On Sunday the forecast is for sunny, with a high near 61. Northeast wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Clear, with a low around 28. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm in the evening.

The rest of the week looks mostly clear with highs just below sixty and lows in the lower thirties over night.