More weather coming in for Easter

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.”

2.5-mile Stretch of Garland Prairie Road Closed Due to Flooding

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Public Works Department, in conjunction
with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service, has closed the
2.5-mile stretch of Garland Prairie Road between Sycamore Creek to the east and
McDougal Flat to the west due to flooding along the roadway. Access to Garland Prairie
Road from White Horse Lake Road, which intersects from the south, also has been
closed, and signage is in place to direct motorists away from the flooded area.
This closure is necessary for public safety as flows of at least two feet in depth have
been reported on this section of Garland Prairie Road. The closure will remain in effect
until weather conditions allow Public Works to safely reopen the roadway.

After Record-Breaking Snow, Coconino County Roads Will Remain Hazardous Through Weekend

FLAGSTAFF — Much of Coconino County continues to be under a Winter Storm Warning by the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Flagstaff. The Arizona Department of Transportation reports many state routes and interstates have now reopened, but hazardous road conditions may persist.

“We’ve believe we’ve seen the worst of it, for now at least,” said Coconino County Manager Steve Peru. “We understand our communities have withstood one of the worst winter storm seasons in history. Our public safety agencies are working around the clock to assist the public to the greatest extent possible.”

 

The forecast for the weekend promises the return of sunshine and slightly higher temperatures, the reprieve is greatly needed to make headway on clearing hundreds of miles of county roads.

The County Public Works Department continues to plow and maintain hundreds of miles of county roads. Public Works staff are asking the public to please reduce driving over the weekend and move cars off of streets into driveways so they have the greatest leeway for storm recovery. Public Works community relations staff are available weekdays during business hours at (928) 679-8300 for urgent requests. Frequently asked questions about County roads and snow removal priorities can be found online at www.coconino.az.gov/snow

 

With record-breaking snow amounts, the Winter recreation season in Northern Arizona should last several more weeks. Those looking to travel to Coconino County for winter recreation should consider delaying until after this weekend to allow time for proper road cleanup and snow removal.

 

Coconino County Storm Information
Snow Removal Information
County Twitter
Emergency Management Twitter
Public Works: (928) 679- 8300 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Arizona Department of Transportation
ADOT Traveler Information and Closures
ADOT Twitter

National Weather Service
Local Forecast and Alerts
NWS Twitter

Bearizona closes for a record number of days

Williams — The recent snow has caused many businesses to shut down. Even Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife park was affected.

In a release, Sean Casey wrote, “After getting 13 more inches of snow last night, we are now at 10 feet! Not surprisingly, it has caused Bearizona to close for a record number of days this snow season.”

The latest snow dropped 13″ of snow in downtown Williams. That caused many of the businesses downtown to shut their doors and hunker down at home. Most restaurants and chain-stores remained open.

According to the Flagstaff Weather Service in Bellemont, Bellemont set a record of 146.7-inches beating out the 2009-2010 winter season. Flagstaff received 140.1-inches of snow this season almost reaching the 1948-1949 season when they received 153.9-inches. Williams received over 90″ of snow this season.The good news is that the sun came out about noon and started melting off the current snow. As the sun set, the temperatures dropped and the melt-off quickly started to freeze. The Weather Service long range forecast shows sunny days ahead through Thursday.

Weather service warns of brief, but heavy, snow storm Sunday through Monday

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from Sunday night through 5:00 p.m. Monday evening. Areas above 5000-feet are expected to receive 5- to 5-inches of snow with localized amounts between 8 and 12-inches.

Accumulated snow levels could be:

Doney Park 2 to 4 inches Flagstaff 6 to 8 inches
Grand Canyon 3 to 4 inches Jacob Lake 6 to 8 inches
North Rim 8 to 10 inches Prescott 1 to 3 inches
Prescott Valley 0 to 1 inches Seligman 1 to 2 inches

High winds and snow will limit visibility and there will likely be accidents on the roadways. If you don’t need to go somewhere, we recommend staying home

Power outages could occur, so you should plan for them. Make sure your pets are in a warm environment. Make sure your cell phone, two-way radio and other batteries you will need are charged or available.

Remember when shoveling snow to take it easy.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for northern Arizona

The National Weather Service in Bellmont issued a winter weather advisory for areas abover 6500-feet. The advisory started at 2:52 this afternoon and is in effect until Thursday, November 3 at 11 p.m.

Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

Possible Snow forecast from 11 PM Wednesday to 11 PM Thursday are Doney Park 2 to 4-inches, Flagstaff 4 to 8-inches, Forest Lakes 4 to 6-inches, Heber-Overgaard 1 to 3-inches, Shonto 1 to 3-inches and Williams 4 to 8-inches.

Temperatures are expected to be freezing during the advisory raising to 54-degrees Saturday. The temperatures should remain in the mid-50s during the day through Tuesday and below freezing during the night.

Thunderstorm hits in late afternoon

WILLIAMS – Another quick thunderstorm passed over Williams, again today. According to the long range forecast, more rain is moving in and will stay through next Wednesday.

This much rain is unusual for this time of year. It is, however, the good type of rain that moves through quickly and does not drop too much. The temperature has remained comfortable and, for the most part, the days will be mostly sunny. The chance of rain is 30% tomorrow, to 50% Saturday and 40% on Sunday and Columbus Day.

Tornado Event Causes Damage in Junipine Estates

WILLIAMS – On October 3, 2022 at 1:30 PM, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a weather-related event in the Junipine Estates community, north of Williams. The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado ripped through the Junipine community, causing damage to between 8-10 residences.

No injuries were immediately reported. Life and property assessments are being evaluated at this time. Further information will be released as it becomes available. The Sheriff’s Office Patrol, Detectives, and Search and Rescue divisions responded, along with High Country and Williams Fire Departments.

A temporary shelter has been established by the American Red Cross at 636 South 7th Street in Williams. Animal shelter information is forthcoming.

“We are saddened by the impact to this community and the impact to the residents who have lost their homes. At what we thought would be the end of the 2022 Monsoon Season, we must now once again pull together as a community to help our neighbors in need,” commented District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan, “Our thanks go out to our first responders for their swift response to this unexpected weather emergency. As with previous natural disasters, the County will be here to support our community members however we can.”

Junipine Estates is a neighborhood in unincorporated Coconino County approximately 10 miles north of the Town of Williams.

Snow starting on Saturday

WILLIAMS — Tomorrow there is a 30% chance of rain after 11 a.m. decreasing to 20% into the evening. Saturday will be sunny with rain starting after 11 p.m. mixing with snow after 4 a.m.

Widespread frost is expected in the mornings starting Sunday. Monday night there is a chance of snow and rain showers with a 50% chance of snow on Tuesday. Tuesday night the weather should clear of moisture. Temperatures will still remain relatively warm around 60-degrees.

Will it rain on our parade?

WILLIAMS — It was a beautiful sunset, tonight, and the Juniors continued to work on their float for the Homecoming Parade tomorrow. Will it, however, rain on our parade?

Tomorrow there is 40% chance of thunderstorms after 11 a.m. The parade usually occurs about noon. The temperature is expected to reach about 60-degrees with winds about 8 to 10-mph with gusts about 16-mph. There 20% chance of thunder showers before 8 p.m. in the evening with the temperature dropping to around 37-degrees.

The Juniors work on their float for the Homecoming Parade.

The weekend is expected to be dry and nice with the possibility of rain returning Monday.