* TIMING…SNOW SHOWERS WILL INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY RAPIDLY THIS MORNING…ESPECIALLY ALONG THE SOUTH FACING SLOPES OF THE MOGOLLON RIM AND THE KAIBAB PLATEAU. SOME RAIN MAY FALL BELOW 5000 FEET IN THE FIRST FEW HOURS…BUT FALLING SNOW LEVELS WILL BRING SNOW TO NEARLY ALL LOCATIONS BY SUNRISE.

THE PERIOD OF MOST INTENSE SNOWFALL WILL BE FROM ABOUT 5AM MST UNTIL 10AM MST…WITH SNOW BECOMING SHOWERY FROM LATE MORNING UNTIL EARLY AFTERNOON. A SECOND PERIOD OF INTENSE SNOW SHOWERS WILL DEVELOP BY MID-AFTERNOON THROUGH THE EARLY EVENING HOURS.

* GENERAL EVENT TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS…2 TO 8 INCHES. THE
GREATEST SNOW AMOUNTS WILL FALL ABOVE 6000 FEET. SEE DETAILS
BELOW OR CONSULT POINT SPECIFIC FORECAST AT:
WEATHER.GOV/FLAGSTAFF.

* SNOWFALL FORECAST FROM 3 AM MST TODAY UNTIL 6 PM MST THIS
EVENING…
CHINO VALLEY 1 TO 2 INCHES DONEY PARK 3 TO 5 INCHES
FLAGSTAFF 4 TO 8 INCHES FREDONIA 1 TO 3 INCHES
GRAND CANYON 4 TO 8 INCHES JACOB LAKE 4 TO 6 INCHES
NORTH RIM 4 TO 8 INCHES PAULDEN 1 TO 2 INCHES
PRESCOTT VALLEY 1 TO 3 INCHES PRESCOTT 2 TO 4 INCHES
SEDONA 1 TO 2 INCHES SELIGMAN 1 TO 3 INCHES
VALLE 2 TO 4 INCHES WILLIAMS 4 TO 6 INCHES

* OTHER IMPACTS…GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS FROM 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS NEAR 40 MPH WILL CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ISSUES WITH BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW…AS WELL AS REDUCED VISIBILITY.

Instructions: A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF FALLING SNOW WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITY. PLAN EXTRA TIME FOR TRAVEL…AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING. FOR THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS AND CLOSURES…CALL THE ADOT FREEWAY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT 1 888 411 7623 OR VISIT THEIR WEB SITE AT http://WWW.AZ511.COM. ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION IS ON THE WEB AT http://WWW.WEATHER.GOV/FLAGSTAFF.

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: TWO TO FIVE INCHES.

* WINDS: WEST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH.

* IMPACTS: ACCUMULATING SNOW WILL IMPACT INTERSTATE 40 EAST OF KINGMAN…WHERE ELEVATIONS EXCEED 4000 FEET. SNOW
ACCUMULATIONS WILL IMPACT ARIZONA ROUTE 389 BETWEEN COLORADO CITY AND PIPE SPRING. ROUTE 66 AND ROADS LEADING TO THE HUALAPAI MOUNTAINS WILL SEE SNOW AS WELL WITH ICY AND SNOW PACKED ROADS POSSIBLE.

Instructions: A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITY…AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

Alert: …HARD FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TUCSON HAS ISSUED A HARD FREEZE WATCH…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING.

* IMPACTS…A PERIOD OF SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES MAY KILL
SENSITIVE VEGETATION. OUTDOOR WATER PIPES MAY NEED TO BE
WRAPPED…DRAINED…OR ALLOWED TO DRIP SLOWLY TO PREVENT
POSSIBLE BURSTING.

* TEMPERATURES…MINIMUM TEMPERATURES IN THE 20S WITH SEVERAL
HOURS BELOW 28 DEGREES ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHEAST PINAL COUNTY…SOUTH CENTRAL PINAL COUNTY AND PIMA COUNTY INCLUDING THE TUCSON METRO.

* TIMING…TEMPERATURES WILL FALL BELOW FREEZING AROUND MIDNIGHT IN MOST LOCATIONS…WITH THE COLDEST TEMPERATURES EXPECTED TO OCCUR BETWEEN 5 AM AND 8 AM.

* FOR A DETAILED VIEW OF THE HAZARD AREA…VISIT
WEATHER.GOV/TUCSON AND CLICK ON THE DETAILED HAZARDS TAB

Instructions: A HARD FREEZE WATCH MEANS WIDESPREAD TEMPERATURES AT OR BELOW 28 DEGREES ARE POSSIBLE….WITH SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES POSSIBLE FOR SEVERAL HOURS. PROTECT PLANTS…PETS AND EXPOSED PIPES FROM THE COLD. SENSITIVE VEGETATION COULD BE KILLED BY THE COLD TEMPERATURES.

Target Area:
South Central Pinal County including Eloy, Picacho Peak State Park Southeast Pinal County including Kearny, Mammoth, Oracle
Tohono O’odham Nation including Sells Tucson Metro Area including Tucson, Green Valley, Marana, Vail Western Pima County Including Ajo, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Message boards are set up and notifying the motoring public of the closure. There are ADOT crews manning the closure at the north end of the Canyon. Sedona Police Department is manning the closure from the south side (just north of Uptown).

The city of Sedona will keep you updated as the day progresses.

The Sedona Police Department reminds motorist to be safe in the winter driving conditions.

… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM MST MONDAY FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 4000 FEET… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN FLAGSTAFF HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 6 PM MST MONDAY. * TIMING… RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS WILL DEVELOP OVER FAR WESTERN COCONINO COUNTY LATE SUNDAY EVENING. RAIN AND SNOW WILL QUICKLY SPREAD EASTWARD EARLY MONDAY MORNING… WITH RAPIDLY FALLING SNOW LEVELS. SNOW LEVELS WILL START AROUND 6000 FEET INITIALLY… BUT WILL QUICKLY FALL TO AROUND 4000 FEET DURING THE DAY MONDAY. * GENERAL EVENT TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS… 2 TO 8 INCHES. THE GREATEST SNOW AMOUNTS WILL FALL ABOVE 6000 FEET.

AZZ004>009-015-016-018-037-038-302230-
/O.NEW.KFGZ.WS.W.0001.141231T1200Z-150102T0000Z/
KAIBAB PLATEAU-MARBLE AND GLEN CANYONS-GRAND CANYON COUNTRY-
COCONINO PLATEAU-YAVAPAI COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
NORTHEAST PLATEAUS AND MESAS HWY 264 NORTHWARD-
WESTERN MOGOLLON RIM-EASTERN MOGOLLON RIM-NORTHERN GILA COUNTY-
YAVAPAI COUNTY VALLEYS AND BASINS-OAK CREEK AND SYCAMORE CANYONS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…FREDONIA…PAGE…
GRAND CANYON VILLAGE…SUPAI…PRESCOTT…FLAGSTAFF…PAYSON…
SEDONA
523 AM MST TUE DEC 30 2014

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM WEDNESDAY TO 5 PM MST
THURSDAY FOR NORTHWEST ARIZONA ABOVE 3500 FEET ELEVATION…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN FLAGSTAFF HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM
WEDNESDAY TO 5 PM MST THURSDAY.

* TIMING…WIDESPREAD SNOW WILL INCREASE FROM WEST TO EAST
ON WEDNESDAY. THE HEAVIEST SNOW IS EXPECTED TO FALL FROM
MID MORNING WEDNESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT…TAPERING OFF
TO SHOWERS ON THURSDAY.

* GENERAL EVENT TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS…6-14 INCHES ARE
EXPECTED AT ELEVATIONS ABOVE 5000 FEET IN THE WARNED
AREA…WITH 2-6 INCHES BELOW 5000 FEET.

* SNOWFALL FORECAST FROM 5 AM MST WEDNESDAY UNTIL 5 PM MST
THURSDAY…

CHINO VALLEY 4 TO 6 INCHES COTTONWOOD 1 TO 3 INCHES
DONEY PARK 7 TO 11 INCHES FLAGSTAFF 9 TO 13 INCHES
FOREST LAKES 13 TO 19 INCHES FREDONIA 4 TO 8 INCHES
GRAND CANYON 9 TO 13 INCHES HEBER-OVERGAARD 6 TO 10 INCHES
JACOB LAKE 9 TO 15 INCHES PAGE 4 TO 6 INCHES
PAULDEN 4 TO 6 INCHES PAYSON 5 TO 9 INCHES
PINE-STRAWBERRY 8 TO 12 INCHES PRESCOTT VALLEY 4 TO 8 INCHES
PRESCOTT 4 TO 8 INCHES SEDONA 3 TO 6 INCHES
SELIGMAN 5 TO 9 INCHES VALLE 6 TO 10 INCHES
WILLIAMS 9 TO 15 INCHES

* OTHER IMPACTS…THIS IS A COLD SYSTEM…AND SNOW WILL FALL TO
THE VALLEY FLOORS BY THURSDAY MORNING. BE PREPARED FOR HAZARDOUS
WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS ON ALL ROADS IN NORTHERN ARIZONA
DURING THIS EVENT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING…DUE TO SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW AND
STRONG WINDS PRODUCING LIMITED VISIBILITIES.

DRIVING WILL BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DURING THIS STORM. FOR THE
LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS AND CLOSURES…CALL THE ADOT FREEWAY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT 1 888 411 7623 OR VISIT THEIR WEB SITE AT
http://WWW.AZ511.COM.

ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION IS ON THE WEB AT
http://WWW.WEATHER.GOV/FLAGSTAFF.

Read more: http://www.kpho.com/weatheralerts#ixzz3NOtgVQcO

Protect your hands and feet. Wear mittens when possible because your fingers can share warmth (regular gloves are good, but mittens have the edge.) Wear socks that will keep your feet dry and warm. Some people wear a light liner sock made of a material that wicks away moisture next to the foot and then put a natural fiber sock over it. Try to wear the higher cut socks, not the low risers.

Protect your lips. Use lip balm to keep your lips from drying out from the cold and windy weather.

Avoid dehydration. As long as fluids are not restricted by your physician, drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.

Dress properly. Wear outer clothing that shields the wind and sun from your skin. Cold and windy air causes a wind-chill effect that is much colder and more dangerous than the outside air temperature.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol causes your body to lose heat, in addition to contributing to dehydration.

Be prepared. When traveling by car, keep extra socks, blankets, water and snacks on hand in case a mechanical problem, storm or empty gas tank leaves you stranded. (see below for car safety)

Inquire about your meds. Ask your physician or pharmacist if any of the medications you take can make you more susceptible to a cold-weather illness.

Protect your children. Instruct the kids to come inside when they feel cold, or if their clothes get wet.

Play it safe. Because they pose a strangulation risk, it’s best not to wrap children in scarves. Instead, use a neck “gaiter”, which stays in place and keeps your child warm without risk.

Eat light. A snack before going out in the cold is better than a heavy meal, which requires a large blood flow to the gastrointestinal system to aid in digestion. The digestive process may prevent warm blood from circulating to your fingers and toes. Save the heavier meal for when you are safely back inside.

Just as you dress yourself in extra layers and winterize your house to protect it from the cold, your car needs extra preparation to make it through the winter as well. But getting ready is only half the battle. Winter driving conditions also make driving differently. Snow and ice need to be taken seriously and prepared for.

Some of the following tips can be performed by any do-it-yourselfer; others require the skilled hands of a professional auto technician.

Engine Performance
Have a funny humming? Get engine driveability problems corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather makes existing problems worse.

Fuel
a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Try to keep your gas tank over a quarter full so it does not freeze.

Oil
Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual – more often (every 3,000 miles) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.

Cooling Systems
The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

Windshield Wipers
Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent-you’ll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

Heater/Defroster
The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

Battery
The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Lights
Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses.

Exhaust System
Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floor boards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.

Tires
Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressures once a month. Check the tires when they are cold, before driving for any distance. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

Carry Emergency Gear
Make an auto safety kit: http://weather.about.com/od/winterweather/ht/autosafetykits.htm

Also, if you are new to driving in the cold, have a new car, or just want a yearly refreshing, check out the following link on some helpful driving safety tips: http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html