Winter storm expected to hit Navajo and Apache Counties

A significant and impactful winter storm is expected to bring periods of wind, rain, and snow to the region from Tuesday into Wednesday.

The powerful atmospheric river storm that’s headed to Arizona, has knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of California homes and businesses on Monday, with more heavy rain, mudslides, flooding and several feet of snow in the California mountains. 1.4 million people were under a flash flood warning, including the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills.

WINTER STORM WARNING FROM FROM 2 PM MST TUESDAY TO 5 PM MST WEDNESDAY ABOVE 6000 FEET. 

Expect hazardous to impossible winter driving conditions. Winter weather is then likely to persist through the remainder of the week.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 130 PM MST Mon Feb 5 2024.

Including the cities of Show Low and Greer 130 PM MST Mon Feb 5 2024

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM MST TUESDAY TO 5 PM MST WEDNESDAY ABOVE 6000 FEET.

* WHAT…A strong storm will move into Arizona on Tuesday. Areas of rain and snow will quickly develop late Tuesday afternoon, becoming heavy at times Tuesday night and early Wednesday, then more showery by late Wednesday afternoon. Rain may mix with snow at times Tuesday evening, but will become all snow overnight Tuesday night. Southerly winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts from 40 to 50 mph, will further exacerbate travel issues. * WHERE…Areas above 6000 feet in the White Mountain region.

* WHEN…From 2 PM MST Tuesday to 5 PM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will likely impact the morning or evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and cause localized power outages.

Snow forecast from 2 PM Tuesday to 5 PM Wednesday:

• Alpine 11 to 17 inches. .
• Pinetop-Lakeside 8 to 12 inches.
• Show Low 4 to 8 inches Whiteriver 0 to 1 inches.
• Heber-Overgaard  4 to 6  inches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

WIND AVISORY FROM TUESDAY AT 11AM MST UNTILL TUESDAY AT 6PM MST.

National Weather Service says there is a possible threat to life or property in Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward, Chinle Valley, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County, Black Mesa Area, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264.

This alert comes from the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was issued at 13:39 PM on February 5, 2024 MST. It expires at 18:00 PM on February 6, 2024 MST.

Including the cities of Navajo N.M., Keams Canyon, Dilkon, Kykotsmovi, Chinle, Kayenta, Springerville, Kaibito, Wupatki N.M., Tuba City, Winslow, Holbrook, Canyon De Chelly, St. Johns, and Snowflake.

139 PM MST Mon Feb 5 2024 /139 PM MST Mon Feb 5 2024/ WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM MST TUESDAY.

* WHAT…South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.