More Snow for Flag as Rez Digs Out

by Cyndy Cole
Arizona Daily Sun
27 January 2010
   

Flagstaff could see another 3 to 7 inches of snow from storm starting today and ending Thursday.

There is a chance for greater snowfall—perhaps 8 inches—southeast of Flagstaff.

The National Weather Service in Bellemont is warning this could "exacerbate problems with heavy snow loading" for flat or slightly sloping roofs that have not been cleared from last week's snow.

The agency says a storm from the Pacific Ocean will bring snow for elevations of northern Arizona above 5,500 feet, and perhaps .25 inches of rain farther south.

Tonight through Thursday morning is the greatest chance for snowfall, though the Weather Service says poor driving conditions are likely, and it has issued a "hazardous weather" outlook.

Dry weather was forecast for Flagstaff from Thursday night to Saturday night, followed by a slight chance of precipitation beginning Sunday and lasting through at least Tuesday.

In related news:

– Monday helicopter flights over the western half of the Navajo Nation surveyed 667 miles of roads, and reported snow at "rooftop levels" on some small buildings, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The government's priority was to clear main roads first with limited machinery, then secondary roads to reach people with medical emergencies.

– Coconino County reports its 65 snowplow drivers are still clearing snow from some of the 1,032 miles of roads in Coconino County. Lake Mary Road is not open between the two turnoffs to the community of Mormon Lake, but the road to Mormon Lake Village is being used as a detour.

– The city of Flagstaff and Coconino County are asking homeowners and business owners to report storm-related damage this week, to apply for a federal emergency declaration. They are requesting: the name of the owner, address, whether the property is residential or commercial, whether a home is primary or secondary, a description of the damage, whether it is insured, ballpark cost estimate on repairs, and any impact to business, such as closure or loss of income. In Flagstaff, the number to call is 213-2399. For nonurban areas of Coconino County, it's 679-7144.

– The American Red Cross delivered 200 blankets to the Holbrook and Tuba City chapter houses, and is rounding up cots. United Way of Northern Arizona is also gathering warm clothes for distribution.

– Deep snow is reported in Grey Mountain, Gap Bodaway, Coppermine, Kaibeto, Inscription House, Navajo Mountain, Shonto, Black Mesa, Blue Gap, Tahchee, Forest Lakes, Pinon, Hard Rock, Whipporwill, Tselani, Steamboat, Jeddito, White Cone, Lukachukai, Tsaile, Wheatfields, Rock Point, Beclabito, Red Valley, Cove, Sheep Springs, Sanostee and Nakaibito, on the Navajo Nation, by the tribe's emergency operations department. The agency estimates that 90 percent of the secondary roadways on the western side of the Navajo Nation have not been cleared of snow.

– For those needing help and able to access phone service, Coconino County is recommending they call 283-1380.

Cyndy Cole can be reached at 913-8607 or at ccole@azdailysun.com.

   

 

   

    


Reprinted as an historical reference document under the Fair Use doctrine of international copyright law. http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html