On Wednesday October 9th a potent cold front will bring strong south to southwest winds with gusts from 40 to 55 MPH. The fastest gusts are forecast to be across Navajo and Apache Counties.

Precipitation will spread from the west to east across northern Arizona from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon. Snow Showers are possible above 6500 Feet with up to an inch accumulation at 7000 feet in Coconino County and 2-4 inches above 8000 feet on the Kaibab Plateau and San Francisco Peaks. Clearing weather moves in from west to east late Thursday Afternoon.

Have you checked your “Ready Kit” lately? This may be a good time to check for expired or outdated items, replace old batteries with new ones and double check your medication and water supplies. For more information and complete lists to get your Ready Kit updated visit: www.ready.gov.

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Freeze Warning which is in effect from midnight tonight until 7 AM Saturday. Freezing temperatures are expected at many northern Arizona locations tonight. Though several areas above 6500 feet have already had their first freeze this will be the first freeze of the season for several other locations as low as 5000 to 5500 feet.

Forcast low temperatures tonight in the warning area include:
Winslow …..32
Canyon De Chelly …..31
Wupatki National Monument ……32
Tuba City …….31

A freeze warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely. These conditions will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

A Wind Advisory will remain in effect today from 11 AM this morning to 8 PM this evening. Strong southwest winds will become widespread by late morning and continue into the early evening hours. Wind speeds from 15 to 25 MPH with higher gusts this morning then increasing to 25 to 35 MPH with gusts from 45 to 55 MPH by late morning lasting into the early evening hours.

Areas of blowing dust may develop in dust prone spots especially along Interstate 40 near Winslow and northward through the Chinle Valley. Hazardous crosswinds on area roads will be possible. High profile vehicles should use caution. Winds this strong can make driving difficult!

A wind advisory means that sustained winds of 30 to 39 MPH or gusts from 40 to 57 MPH are expected. Consider securing loose belongings on your property.

More safety tips for driving in dust storms:

* If you pull off of the road, make sure you pull completely off the paved road

* Turn OFF your lights so that other motorists will not follow you and potentially hit your vehicle.