7/18/17 9:30 – The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for all of northern Arizona (including Apache, Navajo, Coconino, Yavapai and Northern Gila Counties) beginning today at 11:00 am until 8:00 pm Wednesday evening. The strongest storms will have rainfall rates in excess of 1 to 2 inches per hour and could easily overwhelm flood prone locations.

A flash flood watch means that developing conditions may lead to flash flooding within the watch area. People, especially those located along area creeks, rivers, or other flash flood prone areas, should continue to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take immediate action should flash flood warnings be issued.

Apache and Navajo County, as well as partnering cities, towns and National Forests, will jointly lift fire restrictions throughout the region today at 2 p.m.

Despite the lifting of fire restrictions, the public is urged to stay vigilant and safe while exploring the outdoors. Make sure campsites are cleared of dry debris before lighting a fire, and always completely extinguish your fire before leaving (drown, stir and drown again). If a fire is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!

**7/10/17 7:30 pm – Papermill Road has re-opened to all traffic.**

7/10/17 3:30 – Due to a seriou accident, Papermill Road is closed at State Route 277 for eastbound traffic and at Freeman Hallow for westbound traffic. There is no estimated time for reopening yet. Please avoid the area and use an alternative route.