Flash Flood Warning for Navajo County in north central Arizona…Until 700 PM MST.

At 357 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain in the Show Low region. Storms are moving southward through Show Low toward Pinetop-Lakeside. Between 0.75 and 2 inches of rain have fallen, with some gauges recording an inch of rain in 15 minutes. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include…Show Low, Taylor, Linden, Wagon Wheel, Shumway, Pinedale, Pinetop-Lakeside, Fort Apache Reservation, Snowflake, Fool Hollow Lake Campground, White Mountain Lake, Scott Reservoir Campground, Lakeside Campground and Lewis Canyon Group Campground.This includes the following highways…State Route 77 between mile markers 343 and 359.State Route 260 between mile markers 327 and 350.Highway 60 between mile markers 334 and 351.

A weather disturbance will move into Arizona later this week through the upcoming weekend bringing an increase in rain and thunderstorms and a greater threat for flash flooding. We have issued a Flash Flood Watch for a good portion of northern Arizona beginning Thursday and lasting through Saturday.

Key Points:

•  Widespread rain and thunderstorms Thursday through Saturday.
•  Elevated threat of flash flooding, especially over recently burned areas. Creeks and   streams will see a quicker response due to recent rainfall.
•  Potential for nighttime flooding with overnight storm activity.

St. Johns, AZ- On Thursday, July 15, 2021, the White Mountain Fire Coordinating Group met to discuss the current fire restrictions and monsoonal rains. It was determined that the region has received sufficient precipitation to significantly reduce the chances of wildfires. Beginning Friday, July 16, 2021, the unincorporated areas of Apache and Navajo Counties, the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, the City of Show Low and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will rescind fire restrictions.

Even though we have received some much-needed moisture, we ask that our residents and visitors continue to practice fire safety especially with open fires, such as campfires. When extinguishing a campfire, be sure to drown it with water, stir the water in, and feel the fire with the back of your hand, repeating as necessary to ensure the fire is completely out.  Further, at no time should you ever leave a fire of any kind unattended.

We want to thank all of our residents and visitors for their compliance to fire restrictions, together we were able to keep our area safer.

Please continue to follow the Apache County Emergency Management and Preparedness Facebook page as well as the Navajo County Emergency Management and Preparedness Facebook page and 311info.net for updates on fire restrictions and other pertinent, vetted information pertaining to local hazards and preparedness.