December 27, 2012: Apache County and Navajo Counties Snowy Weather. Winter Driving Conditions, Please Drive With Care.

Please check road conditions prior to traveling.  Let your friends and or family know your destination, route your taking, time you are leaving, and estimated time of arrival.

NWS:  THE CURRENT STORM SYSTEM WILL BE REINFORCED BY ANOTHER SHOT OF COLD AIR ALOFT TODAY. THIS WILL CAUSE NUMEROUS SNOW SHOWERS TO DEVELOP… WITH RAIN BELOW 3000-3500 FEET. MANY LOCATIONS ABOVE 5000 FEET WILL SEE AN INCH OR TWO OF NEW SNOW TODAY. EXPECT SNOW SHOWERS TO DECREASE FROM WEST TO EAST TONIGHT.
ANOTHER STORM SYSTEM WILL BRING A CHANCE OF RAIN AND SNOW BACK TO THE AREA BY EARLY NEXT WEEK.

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Please be Fire Safe! 12/21/2012

Forest warns forest users about continued fire danger – please be fire safe!
Hunting season continues on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests along with fire wood gathering and Christmas tree cutting. Lack of moisture and warm mild conditions this fall have caused fine, grassy fuels and brush to dry, making them susceptible to wildfire. Here are some suggestions to help prevent wildfires:
For Campers, Hunters, and Drivers:
• If you do not need a fire, do not build one.
• Use established campfire rings when available.
• Make sure campfires are away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, and leaves.

• Keep water and a shovel near the campfire.
• Douse campfire with water and stir one hour before leaving.
• Make sure the fire is cool to the touch before leaving the area-even if you are leaving for a short hike.
• Adults should always supervise children whenever there is a campfire.
• Only smoke in approved areas and dispose of smoking materials properly.
• While driving, avoid pulling over into areas with tall grass. Hot catalytic converters or exhaust particles can ignite grasses along the roadway.
• If pulling a trailer, make sure chains are not dragging along the pavement as the sparks can fly and start a fire.
For Landowners:
• Thin trees and brush near structures.
• Remove weeds and mow dry grasses.
• Clear twig and leaf litter from roofs and gutters.
• Stack firewood well away from structures.
• Surround structures with drought and fire-resistant or irrigated landscape.
• Have a plan for evacuation
On behalf of your fire and response agencies please be fire safe. Reduce fire risk on your landscape and remember campfires dead out!
***Thank you to New Mexico Fire Information for sharing this news release***.

December 18, 2012 – NWS: Snow Showers Likely Across Navajo And Apache Counties Through Noon Wedneday

Hazardous weather outlook for Apache…Coconino…Navajo…

Yavapai and Northern Gila counties in Northern Arizona.

This afternoon and tonight

A potent cold front will affect Northern Arizona from this

afternoon through early Wednesday. Snow levels are expected to

fall rapidly from west to east starting this evening….and be at

or below 4500 feet early Wednesday morning.

Heavy snowfall will occur along the cold front tonight. Snowfall

Amounts of 5 to 9 inches are expected above 6000 feet…with 3 to

6 inches above 5000 feet. Snow is possible down to 3500 feet

Though amounts should be less than one inch. Winter weather

Advisories are in effect…see phxwswfgz for details.

Strong and gusty winds with this storm will produce blowing and

Drifting snow along area roadways. Be prepared for winter driving

Conditions from this evening through Wednesday morning.

Snow showers are likely across Navajo and Apache counties

Through noon Wednesday…with fair weather returning to all of

The northland Wednesday afternoon.