Tag Archives: Weather

Keep Weather-Aware & Equipment-Prepared

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FLAGSTAFF — With nationwide attention on the recent rescue of the Klein family and questions generated from the public, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and its Search and Rescue Unit would like to take this opportunity to remind people about being prepared before winter travel. Each year, the Sheriff’s Office responds to countless calls from motorists who have become stranded or stuck on impassable roads because they were following “alternate routes” listed on technology devices and map apps. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather, traffic accidents or a wrong turn could become life threatening. A short drive can turn into an emergency if you are unprepared. Keep Weather-Aware & Equipment-Prepared!

• Know before you go – Be aware of existing and impending weather conditions, and check weather and road reports frequently. If extreme winter weather is predicted during the duration of your trip, cancel it. Research alternative routes. Be prepared to stay overnight if weather changes or travel is delayed. Contact places you are planning to visit to confirm hours of operation and accessibility. For hikers, remember that in the winter, trails that are typically fairly easy to follow in the spring, summer, and fall are often covered in snow making following the trail difficult to impossible.

• Leave Detailed Trip Plans with a Trusted Person – The plan should include times and dates of departure and return. It should also include when you will arrive at certain checkpoints, even if no contact is established, it will assist searchers in locating you should you need their assistance. If trip plans change, it is important to notify the people with whom the trip plan was left so that this information can be shared with search and rescue teams if necessary.

• Don’t Rely on Phones & Map Apps – There are many places where cellular services or coverage still DO NOT exist. A cell phone does not guarantee your safety. Have the appropriate navigation equipment and knowledge of how to use that equipment. Do your research before following map app directions and realize that just because a route is listed does not mean it is passable.

• Accept Responsibility for Yourself – Emergency responders may not be immediately available and may take several hours before they can respond. If your location is unknown to emergency responders, it can take hours or even days before someone finds you. Resources such as helicopters and other specialty equipment are not guaranteed to be able to respond. Have emergency and survival gear with you. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

• Stay Together – Turn back and come the way you came if possible, or stay put. If you have prepared with appropriate winter weather gear and shared your trip plans, it is safer to stay put than to expose yourself to the elements or unknown terrain. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can affect your ability to survive.

• Be prepared for cold weather and winter driving conditions – Have a full tank of gas, chains, flashlight, blankets and other emergency items. Always fill your gasoline tank before entering open country, even for a short distance. If you leave your vehicle running to provide heat make sure the tail pipe is properly vented and clear of snow or any other debris. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is silent and deadly.

Clothing Tips: Dress warmly in layered clothing. Layers allow you to easily adjust your clothes to regulate body moisture and temperature. Three types of layers are considered normal: a liner layer against your skin (long-johns), an insulation layer (fleece), and a water- and wind-proof outer shell. Cotton loses its insulating qualities when it gets wet, whether it is from rain or sweat. Cotton also takes a long time to dry out. Wool or synthetic materials are much better suited for cold weather conditions. Boots should have a waterproof outer shell such as oiled leather or plastic. Hiking boots alone are usually not adequate in deep snow conditions for extended periods. Protect from heat loss through your` head by wearing a warm stocking cap or other winter hat. Make sure socks and gloves do not fit so tight that they constrict the blood flow which keeps your hands or feet from warming up. Pack plenty of extra clothing in case you the clothes you are wearing become wet. Hiking clothing or footwear that gets wet not only makes movement more difficult, it also can contribute to hypothermia and other cold related injuries or illness.

Food & Water Tips: Keep yourself adequately nourished to provide fuel for hiking and for simply keeping your body warm. Food should be easy to prepare and tasty enough to be appetizing. Drink plenty of water even though you don’t think you are thirsty. Water is necessary for your body to generate heat. A good rule of thumb for checking hydration is the color of your urine. Urine will be light colored or clear if you are properly hydrated. Keep water bottles from freezing in your pack by putting them in a wool sock or insulated bottle cover.

Gear Tips: Even for short day hikes winter outdoor enthusiasts should carry survival equipment. Essential items include fire starting equipment, a light source and extra batteries, appropriate extra clothing, water, food, navigation equipment, pocket knife, shelter materials, sunglasses or goggles, a backcountry shovel, a backpacking stove and fuel and a small metal cup.

• Backcountry users: Be familiar with avalanche hazard recognition and carry the appropriate safety equipment including an avalanche beacon, avalanche probe, backcountry shovel and winter survival gear. Backcountry users should not travel alone and should leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted friend. Cell phones are valuable tools but should not be relied upon in backcountry locations since cell coverage may be marginal. It is incumbent on winter backcountry users to acquire training and knowledge about avalanche safety. More information is available from the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center at www.kachinapeaks.org.

• Tips for Safe Snow Play: Be safe and aware. Don’t park along the highways to play in the snow. Watch out for hazards and other visitors. Be patient. Be a courteous driver. Roads may be congested. Leave no trace other than footprints and snowmen. Take your trash with you. Respect private property and other locations where snow play and sledding is not appropriate.

Here are a few links to some additional resources:

Winter Driving Safety Tips

https://www.weather.gov/wrn/getting_traction
http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/#.WGLPxFMrLcs
https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/winter-driving-safety-tips.aspx

Winter Storm Preparedness & Winter Safety

National Park Service and US Forest Service websites for different areas often have messages specific to recreation safety:

https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
https://www.fs.fed.us/
http://www.nsc.org/learn/Pages/safety-events-winter-safety.aspx
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm

Snow accumulations of up to 18-inches possible for Christmas

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WILLIAMS — The rain fell through the night and Williams was greeted by a thin veil of early morning fog to start the first day of winter. The rain is expected to continue through Friday turning to snow on Saturday. The current evaluation by NOAA is that Williams could be greeted by up to 18-inches of snow Christmas day. Snow may continue on Christmas with a possible half-inch of further accumulation during the day, clearing up by Sunday night.

Winds today will be up to 16-mph with gusts up to 24 dropping slightly overnight. Winds tomorrow will be up to 14-mph with gusts up to 21 building up to 21-mph winds Friday night. On Saturday winds are expected to remain up to 24-mph with gusts of 37-mph.

Christmas eve should be a great day for those with tickets on the Polar Express. A 90% chance of snow showers exists throughout the day. Seven- to eleven-inches of snow is possible by evening with another 3-to-7-inches possible overnight. Snow is possible Christmas day with a slight amount of accumulation. The snow will probably be a welcome sight for the reindeer at the Grand Canyon Deer Farm and the Wild Wonderland at Bearizona is a must see in the snow.Flagstaff can expect about the same weather with a slightly less snow accumulation over the same period. The new snow, however, should be great news for the skiers at the Snowbowl. They apparently are receiving snow already according to their web cam.

Ash Fork will be a player in the snow game with a possible 4-inches of snow over the same period. Winds will be about the same as Williams. Valle should receive about the same amount of snow as Ash Fork and about the same wind speeds.

The weather is still expected to clear up over Sunday night with temperatures returning to the mid-40s by Wednesday.

We continue to remind everyone to BE SAFE on the highways. Watch out for snow plows and slow down. Get off of the highway if you want to play in the snow. We highly recommend going to Flagstaff, Williams, Bellemont, Parks, Ash Fork, instead of taking an exit as you could get snowed in and stranded. Stopping at one of the safe cities and towns also offers the opportunity of hot coffee or cocoa to help you enjoy the experience.

Chance of rain all week with a snow likely Christmas eve

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WILLIAMS/FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff and Williams can expect about the same weather pattern over the Christmas holiday. Clouds are expected to blow in tonight and through tomorrow on 7-mph winds. Wednesday is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 50. The chance of precipitation in the form of rain starts Wednesday night. Rain and low temperatures overnight will cause icy conditions on roads and highways, so drivers should take caution.

ADOT reminds visitors and residents NOT to park along the highway to enjoy the snow. Take an exit and get off of the freeway if you want to check out the weather. Preferably at a safe location such as Bellemont, Flagstaff, Williams or some other area where you can park safely.

On Wednesday night there is a 30% chance of rain after 11 p.m. with a low of around 32 overnight. The winds are expected to be light, but any wind will make it feel colder.

On Thursday there is a 60% chance of rain with a high near 49 and winds of about 6-mph. The chance of rain continues overnight with a low of about 34 and winds calming.

Friday a 30% chance of showers is expected, but it should be partly sunny with temperatures in the mid-40s. Friday night there is a 20% chance of showers with a low around 33.

Saturday, Christmas Eve, is expected to be breezy, around 38-degrees with a chance of rain and snow. Williams may wake up to a white Christmas with snow likely Saturday night and a low temperature of 20-degrees. There is a slight chance of continuing snow on Christmas day and continuing throughout the night. The high will be near 33 dropping to 17 overnight. The chance of building a snowperson is slight.

This weather pattern should clear up Monday with temperatures remaining in the mid-30s through Tuesday during the day and dropping to the low-20s overnight.

Have fun in the snow, but don’t park along highways to play

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PHOENIX – Snow in Arizona’s high country is a magnet for desert dwellers looking to ski, sled, make snowmen and have snowball fights.

Too often, however, a vehicle full of people heading to play in the snow winds up parked on the shoulder of a state highway or even Interstate 17 rather than pulled safely into a designated parking area well off the road. This creates a hazard for more than just the occupants.

“It’s dangerous for the driver who stops on the highway and for other drivers who might be distracted by your vehicle. It’s also dangerous for first responders who may need access to the shoulder to help someone,” said Audra Merrick, district engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s North Central District. “As tempting as it can be, never stop along the highway to play in snow.”

With snow in the forecast this weekend for the Flagstaff area, ADOT reminds those heading to sled and throw snowballs that highway shoulders are for emergencies and that parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in a number of ways:

Other drivers may be distracted by your vehicle.
Other drivers may pull over as well to play in the snow, compounding the problem.
Your vehicle may interfere with first responders who need to use the shoulder.
Plows can throw snow and ice far off highways.
It’s much safer to re-enter highways from on-ramps and other designated entrances.

These dangers apply along highways other than interstates, including US 180 northwest of Flagstaff, where those from lower elevations often flock after it snows. Those who park on highway shoulders to play, even in areas where traffic may seem light, are endangering themselves and others. Locations of designated snow-play areas around Flagstaff are available at flagstaffarizona.org (click the Winter Snow Play link) or by calling 1-844-256-SNOW.

Those heading to enjoy winter in Arizona’s high country should learn how to prepare for extended time in cold, snow and ice, as well as how to be ready for potentially harsh driving conditions, by visiting azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

ADOT’s suggestions of items to have in a vehicle include warm clothing and blankets, a fully charged mobile phone and charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, drinking water, healthy snacks, a first-aid kit and necessary medications. Get plenty of rest, plan your route and take frequent breaks from driving.

Make sure your gas tank is at least half to three-quarters full at all times, and ensure that your wipers, window defroster, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work. Snow tires, chains or studded tires may be required depending on the conditions.

Wherever they are traveling in Arizona, drivers need to be prepared for possible delays caused by crashes or heavy traffic. Another cause of congestion during the winter is the popularity of snow-play areas. Those playing in the snow along US 180, for example, may need 90 minutes or more to get back to Flagstaff at day’s end, especially after it snows and over holiday weekends.

“It’s very important that drivers know what they’re heading into when they come up to play in the snow,” Merrick said. “Our crews are committed to keeping the highways open and safe, but weather, road conditions and traffic can change quickly, so leave prepared.”

A disappointing snowfall for Williams

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WILLIAMS — After the heavy rainfall throughout the day yesterday, Williams was expecting a little more snowfall than they woke up to. For the most part it was simply icy roads and slippery sidewalks and cold.

The weather kept the Williams Fire Department awake a better part of the night as they stood by an arching transformer to prevent a catastrophic fire. Power failed in the area of Edison and fluctuated throughout the City of Williams through the night.

The Super-8 motel reported a power outage this morning. The Williams Police Department is investigating other power outages in the area of Bearizona. Bearizona could not be contacted for confirmation. Sherwood Forest is out of power. Some emergency services are reporting problems with their repeater on Mingus Mountain.

Thankfully there have not been any major incidents reported on the freeway.

The Boxcar Bridge, in Williams, was able to withstand the snowfall of last night.

While Williams proper may have received a little snow, the outlying areas usually experience more snow. There may be the predicted two-inches of snow out Perkinsville Road, on Highway 64 and other areas.The next predicted chance of snow, according to the long range forecast, will be Friday with a slight chance predicted.

As winter storm intensifies, be prepared for rain, wind and snow

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PHOENIX — A winter storm packing rain, wind and, later, the possibility of light snow and ice in the high country is all the more reason for Arizonans to drive with care and adjust their speed to conditions.

While much of the state is expected to see rain Friday, the forecast for many areas also calls for sustained winds of between 30 and 40 mph and even stronger gusts. Beginning Friday night, a cold front will lower snow levels to around 5,000 feet and drop temperatures, meaning drivers in Arizona’s high country should be prepared for the possibility of light snow accumulating as well as ice on the road.

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s nearly 200 snowplows and 400 certified snowplow drivers are ready to deal with snow and ice, and ADOT’s website offers tips for driving in the rain, in wind that reduces visibility and around snow and ice.

Here are some of them:

  1. Slow down and be aware of the risk of skidding or hydroplaning.
  2. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This helps prevent sudden braking, which can cause you to slide on wet or icy pavement.
  3. Before you drive, inspect your windshield wipers, and replace them if necessary.
  4. Turn on your headlights while driving in bad weather.
  5. If you’re planning to drive in the high country, consult ADOT’s Know Snow winter-driving tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow. These start with wearing warm clothing, having a fully charged cellphone and making sure your tank is at least half full at all times.

For the most current information about highway conditions and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.

Heavy winds and rain today in Williams

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WILLIAMS — Santa’s reindeer could not take the high winds and the Zipline is closed as Williams experiences its predicted rain. The rain began in the early hours of the morning and has continued throughout the day. It might be nice for those taking the Polar Express tonight as snow is predicted for the late afternoon throughout the night. Up to two inches is possible.

The rain is heavy rain is accompanied by high winds of about 15-mph with gusts up to about 25-mph. The temperature is about 45, but the chill factor is making it feel about ten- to fifteen-degrees cooler.

There is a 10% chance of snow Saturday morning clearing up to sunny skies by the afternoon. The long-range forecast currently shows sunny skies and temperatures rising to around the mid-40s through the week. The lows start out at 1round 15 raising to the mid-20s by Thursday night. A chance of showers picks up on Friday.

Traffic on the highway seems to be running smoothly with only one accident reported at about milepost 140 near Ash Fork at about 2:15. One of the occupants suffered minor injuries.

We remind drivers that as the temperatures drop and snow begins, ice will be a major hazard. Please slow down.

Rain likely Thursday night

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Moon ducks behind the clouds tonight.

WILLIAMS — According to the latest forecast, rain is expected starting Thursday night followed by snow Friday and Saturday.

Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid-50s and winds about 11-mph. Thursday the temperatures will remain in the mid-50s, but winds will rise between 10- to 17-mph with gusts up to 26. There is a 60% chance of showers after 11 p.m. with the winds slowing slightly. The chill factor caused by the winds should make it feel much cooler.

On Friday, there is an 80% chance of showers overnight with a possible 2-inches of snow accumulation. There is a slight chance of snow on Saturday. The sun returns Sunday with a high around 35 raising to 38 by Tuesday.

Drivers should be cautious of icy conditions on the roadways. Slow down and stay alive.

Clouds, but no snow in sight.

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WILLIAMS — Last night Williams may have received a small amount of rain. Clouds moved in overhead in the early morning hours, but should clear off and remain mostly sunny the rest of the week. Winds are expected to be about 6 to 9-mph through Friday. Temperatures will reach the 50s during the day dropping to the mid-to-low 20s overnight.

Flagstaff has a 10% chance of snow before 11 a.m., but otherwise the weather pattern is expected to be about the same as Williams.

Snow likely over the weekend

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WILLIAMS — We were alerted to the possibility of some hazardous snow conditions over the weekend, so we cut our Thanksgiving Day a little short. A cold front is moving across northern Arizona which could bring snow and ice over the weekend. NOAA issued a hazardous weather warning which reads:

Friday through Wednesday

A cold winter system will bring snowfall to northern Arizona on Sunday and Monday. Snow levels will quickly fall to around 4500 Feet elevation late Saturday night and Sunday. The most intense Snowfall is expected from sunset Sunday night to sunrise Monday morning. This may very will impact the Monday morning commute for the higher elevations.

Stay tuned to the weather forecast if you have travel plans in the high country this weekend. Expect winter driving conditions on Sunday and Monday.

The chance of snow and rain begins Saturday night, but the highs over this period and through Tuesday are not expected to break 40-degrees. On Saturday it may be just over 50-degrees, but winds as high as 17-mph with gusts up to 28 will probably make it feel cooler.

A 30% chance of snow is predicted over Saturday night raising to 50% on Sunday morning and an 80% chance over Sunday night. Less than a half-inch of accumulation is expected over Saturday. New snow accumulation of up to 4-inches is possible over Sunday.

There is a chance of snow Monday and Tuesday which could cause problems commuting to Flagstaff. Expect icy conditions over the weekend and through to Tuesday when the weather clears.