Tag Archives: Williams

Rain today, snow Wednesday

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WILLIAMS/FLAGSTAFF – Rain and high winds are the order of the day today. Tuesday is expected to be clear with a cold air mass pushing snow in by Wednesday.

Today we can expect rain, mainly after 11 a.m. according to the weather service with a high near 44. Of course we had to buck the system by starting the rain about 8 a.m. Winds will be west-southwest around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Tonight there is a 40 percent chance of rain, mainly before 11 p.m. with a low around 31. Southwest wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high near 42. Southwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Overnight it will be partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Wednesday there is a 30% chance of snow mainly after 11 a.m. with less than an inch accumulation expected. The chance of snow persists through Saturday night.

Kaibab National Forest plans pile burns on Tusayan and Williams districts

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WILLIAMS – Fire managers plan to burn piles on the Tusayan and Williams ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest tomorrow and Friday. The piles are the result of forest restoration efforts, and the goal of burning them is to further reduce fuels that could feed high-intensity wildfire.

Tusayan Ranger District

Tusayan Ranger District fire managers plan to burn piles scattered within a 100-acre area tomorrow and Friday just west of the Town of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Airport. The piles have cured over the last two years and are expected to consume quickly. Winds on Thursday are expected to be from the southwest, which would push any smoke produced toward the northeast. However, fire managers anticipate that any smoke impacts to Tusayan or the airport would be very light. At night, downslope wind is expected to move smoke west away from Tusayan and the airport. On Friday, winds are predicted to be from the northeast, which should push any smoke produced southwest away from developed areas. No smoke impacts are anticipated for Tusayan or the airport Friday. No road or trail closures are expected.

Williams Ranger District

Williams Ranger District fire managers plan to burn piles scattered within a 52-acre area tomorrow and Friday near Kunde Knoll, about 8 miles south of Williams. Smoke is expected to drift to the north and northeast during the day and will be most noticeable in the immediate area surrounding the pile burn during ignitions and for a few hours afterward. Smoke impacts to any developed areas or nearby communities are expected to be light.

Also on Thursday and Friday, Williams fire managers plan to burn the single, large natural debris pile at Three Sisters Cinder Pit, located north of Cataract Lake about two miles northwest of Williams. Smoke is expected to be pushed north and northeast during daytime hours, away from Williams. However, light smoke may be noticeable in the northern portions of Williams during overnight hours.

No road or trail closures are expected with either pile burn on the Williams Ranger District.

General Information

Implementation of any particular prescribed fire, including a pile burn, is dependent on weather and fuel conditions including winds, temperature, humidity, moisture of the vegetation and ventilation conditions for dispersal of smoke. All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit http://www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management.

In the interest of safety, visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic and smoke may all be present.

Notifications of upcoming prescribed fires are provided regularly throughout the year. Members of the public can find this information through the following sources:

Would you believe we are over five-years old?

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I was just looking at the “archives” and realized that the first story on my site was about aliens back in November of 2011.

The Gazette was around longer than that. I started out using b2Evolution for the format. While it had some nice features, it turned out to be to difficult to use. We switched to WordPress which has some problems, but is a much easier format to deal with. In November of 2015 we added a Facebook page.

We have filmed parades, covered life and death, the rise and fall of businesses, and many events in Williams. we have covered tragedies and triumphs. We have tried to keep you up on the latest weather and traffic. With the help of Flagstaff Independent Press, KAFF News and other sources, we have tried to keep you informed about our neighbors.

Actually I never expected to be around this long. It has been fun and we hope to keep going for many more years.

When a snowstorm hits, safest choice is waiting it out

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PHOENIX — ADOT has nearly 200 snowplows and 400 certified drivers stationed around the state to address snow and ice. But as Christmas weekend showed—especially on Interstate 40 from Flagstaff west to Ash Fork and on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff—a snowstorm can be so intense that travel becomes unsafe quickly.

This is why drivers should monitor conditions before leaving and be prepared to delay travel until snowplows can do their work. A few inches of snow fell per hour at the height of last weekend’s storm, causing crashes and slide-offs and resulting in long closures because of the time required to get vehicles cleared and lanes open again.

In addition to watching National Weather Service forecasts for Flagstaff, Williams or any area you are planning to travel, be sure to check az511.gov or call 511 for the latest road conditions. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) is a good source of information and interaction.

Accident on I-40 at exit 163 in Williams. Photo courtesy of Williams Fire Department.

A 28-car pile up occurred at the 163 exit of I-40 in Williams on Christmas Eve keeping many stuck for up to eight-hours. If you drive faster, you may not get through the snow faster. You may not get through at all. When it rains it can be just as dangerous overnight as the temperature drops and ice builds up on the roadways.

Because snowstorms can result in sudden closures sometimes lasting for hours, ADOT offers tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow that include packing an emergency kit with blankets, warm clothing, snacks and water and keeping your gas tank half to three-quarters full at all times. It is also good to have a charged cellphone, but some areas do not have cellphone service. A radio transmitter, such as the FRS/GMRS radios, Citizens Band or amateur radio equipment is also a good idea.

But the safest option when snow is falling is not being on road unless it’s absolutely necessary.

During the storm, white cars were observed driving in the snow without lights making them difficult to see. Turn your lights ON during a storm, whether rain or snow, no matter the color of your vehicle if you feel you must drive at all. You need to make yourself as visible as possible.

Photo courtesy of the Williams Fire Department

With another storm forecast for New Year’s weekend, recent experience reinforces the value of waiting until roads are plowed and ready for traffic. If there’s any question about whether it’s a good idea to go, you’d probably do well to wait.

When highways are plowed and ready for traffic, many drivers may be heading uphill to play in the snow. If you’re among them, be sure to leave prepared, as New Year’s usually is an especially busy weekend at snow-play areas, especially along US 180 outside of Flagstaff, resulting in long lines of traffic at day’s end.

Those heading to snow-play sites along US 180 may want to consider making an earlier start home, as on busy days traffic builds toward Flagstaff throughout the afternoon. When they reach Flagstaff, drivers taking Interstate 17 south can save time by following a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Road and Route 66, and then heading west to I-17. A map of this route, as well as locations of snow-play sites, is available at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Snow Play link).

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.

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.

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.

Bearizona jaguar gives blood to jaguar at Reid Park Zoo

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Click on image to view video of Bagheera swimming.

WILLIAMS — This time of year is all about giving, and what better Christmas gift than to help a friend in need. Bearizona Wildlife Park’s resident jaguar Bagheera was able to give a blood transfusion to a Jaguar in dire need from the Reid Park Zoo.

Jaguars are a near threatened species and numbers are rapidly declining in their wild habitats which include the southern regions of the United States, Mexico and Central and South America. The last known wild Jaguars living in the United States were actually last seen in the Tucson Arizona, with the most recent sighting just last week.

Bearizona’s Owner stated “we received a call last week from Reid Park Zoo stating they had a Jaguar who was in need of help. We of course wanted to help, and after some discussions with our veterinary team we decided it was a great opportunity to help out a jaguar in need.

Bearizona’s male jaguar Bagheera is one of the most beloved critters to call Bearizona home and now he can add life saver to his list. They say a cat has nine lives and it looks like that very well may be the case for Reid Park Zoo’s jaguar Nakita, after the successful blood transfusion.

Casey also stated that “We are happy we were able to help and wish Nikita a speedy recovery.”

Bagheera can be seen frolicking in his home at Bearizona, an 11,000 square foot exhibit complete with a 30 foot waterfall.