As Northern Arizona awaits the first significant snowstorm of the season, Coconino County Public Works crews are prepared to keep major roads clear and passable.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service Flagstaff office is calling for a 90-percent chance of rainfall changing over to snow above 5,000 feet Thursday night and into Friday. Locations in the Flagstaff area could expect anywhere from 6 to 10 inches.
County snowplows are prepared to keep County roadways cleared from accumulated snow, giving priority to main arterial roadways then collector and residential streets. As a reminder, County Ordinance 86-6 prohibits motorists from parking on county roadways between Nov. 1 and April 1 on a 24-hour basis. Residents are asked to park their vehicles five to 10 feet from the roadway to allow ample room for snowplows to pass.
Motorists are reminded to travel safely and that accumulated snowfall can create hazardous conditions, including low visibility. For questions about snow removal operations and related road conditions, please contact the following:
- · Coconino County: For county maintained roads, please call Public Works at 928-679-8300 during normal business hours (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).
- · Follow: www.facebook.com/
coconinocounty and www.twitter.com/coconinocounty - · City of Flagstaff: Please call either 928-213-2175 or 928-774-1605 during normal business hours.
- · Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT): For highway road conditions, please call 5-1-1 or visit ADOT’s online Traffic Operations Center at www.az511.gov.
- · Emergencies: To report snow-related road emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
Be prepared and always have on hand:
· Three days of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per day per family member)
· First aid kit and extra supply of medication
· Personal hygiene supplies, extra clothing, footwear, gloves, blankets, sleeping bags
· Extra food for pets and livestock
· Flashlight, extra batteries, candles and a battery operated radio
· Alternate heat source (kerosene, wood, etc.)
· Full propane tank (if applicable)
· Extra set of car keys, cash, credit cards
· Snow shovels
· An emergency plan for the entire family
Vehicle preparedness tips:
· Winterize your vehicle (antifreeze, wipers, battery, snow tires)
· Carry an emergency kit consisting of tire chains or cables, blankets, tow strap, jumper cables, flashlight, water, first aid kit, ice scraper, extra clothing, and appropriate tools
· Keep the gas tank at least half full
· When traveling, let someone know your intended route and expected time of arrival
· Extra blanket and food.
