1/4/16 – Expect a prolonged period of winter weather this week as several storm systems move through Arizona. The first in the series of systems will move through Arizona today through Tuesday bringing mountain snow and valley rain showers. Expect periods of light to moderate precipitation with snow accumulating above 6000 feet. Snowfall accumulations through Tuesday are expected to range from 2 to 6 inches above 6000 feet. Travel may become hazardous at times due to winter driving conditions.

Mountain snow and valley rain will continue into Saturday as progressively colder low pressure systems impact the state. The periods favored for precipitation accumulations are Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, again Wednesday night through Thursday and again during the day Friday. Accumulating snow is possible down to the 4500-5000 foot level by Thursday.

Mountain locations generally above 6000 feet can expect substantial amounts of new snow by the end of this week. The most important message, expect widespread winter weather conditions across northern Arizona this week.

***FINAL UPDATE***

12/28/15 at 5:25 – Cable One is reporting that they have completed the repairs to the line that was cut. In addition they will be conducting a project in 2016 to bury the affected section of fiber. Navajo County Emergency Management will continue to work with Cable One in hopes of bringing our citizens up to date information when they are working on the project.

***UPDATE***

12/28/15 at 2:10 – Cable One is reporting that the problem is a fiber cut that occurred approximately 11 miles outside of Snowflake. Cable One is working on the repairs and has an estimated completion time of 6:00 PM today.

12/28/15 – Currently Cable One television and internet services are experiencing a major outage. We are attempting to obtain additional information at this time and will update our followers as we learn more information.

12/28/15 – With several storms already enveloping our region with snow and cold temperatures now is the time to prepare for snow, ice and strong winds. It is important to prepare since winter weather can cause power outages resulting in the loss of heat, water or communications to our homes and businesses. With the projected strong El Nino pattern for winter 2015-2016, we suggest that you check out – http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather for a list of ways to prepare.
Preparing for winter storms is similar to preparing for other emergencies like floods or wildfires. Following the three steps below, can help your family be prepared for most winter events.
Step 1: Make an emergency supply kit which includes items like non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights and a hand crank radio. Add the following items for winter: rock salt, sand, snow shovels and adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
Step 2: Make a family emergency plan. You may not be with your family when a storm hits, so know how to contact one another.
Step 3: Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and windows. Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to help avoid freezing. Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone in your family knows how to use it. House fires pose an additional risk as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the proper safety precautions.
Lastly, remember where to find storm updates. An excellent source for weather forecasts and weather warnings is http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/fgz/. You can dial 311 from any phone for updates from the Health Department, Emergency Management, Fire and Forest information. You can check back here at 311info.net as well as watch the news or listen to the radio for weather updates.