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.

12/23/15 – The National Weather Service has forecast a stronger storm starting Thursday and lasting into the Christmas holiday weekend. The storm is expected to move across Arizona delivering widespread wintry conditions to northern Arizona. Areas of accumulating snow are likely Thursday night into Saturday with the snow level dipping down to 3000 feet or even lower. Saturday promises to be a very cold and windy day with snow accumulation still possible from Flagstaff eastward. In addition, high temperatures Saturday will be around 20 degrees below normal with wind speeds of 15 to 25 MPH. Wind chills over the higher terrain could plunge below zero. Plan accordingly and stay tune for further updates.

NWS Flagstaff Briefing – December 23, 2015 (click on the link for more details)

12/22/15 – The National Weather Service has forecast a series of weather disturbances which will deliver mountain snow and lower elevation rain today and tonight. Areas of accumulating snow are likely above the 6000 foot level. Daytime temperatures will generally be 5 to 10 degrees below normal with windy conditions developing this afternoon.

The chance of showers will continue on Wednesday. It will remain breezy with below normal temperatures. Starting Thursday and lasting into the Christmas holiday weekend. A stronger storm is expected to move across Arizona delivering widespread wintry conditions to northern Arizona. Areas of accumulating snow are likely Thursday night into Saturday with the snow level dipping down to 3000 feet or even lower. Saturday promises to be a cold and windy day with snow accumulations still possible from Flagstaff eastward. In addition, high temperatures will be around 20 degrees below normal with wind speeds of 10 to 25 MPH. Plan accordingly and stay tuned for further updates.