FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – With snow forecast for northern Arizona in the coming days, the City of Flagstaff would like to provide information regarding snow operations. The City’s Public Works Division will deploy all available equipment and operators during winter snow events, with operations running 24 hours a day during significant events.
First priority roadways for treatment are main arterials, major hills, downtown, school and transit routes. All other streets are considered second priority areas. To begin treating second priority roads, the first priority roadways must be completed and maintained throughout the snow event. Cinders are applied to major hills, signalized intersections, railroad crossings, shaded areas, problem areas and stop-signed intersections. A map of the city which shows first and second priority streets can be found here.
Plowing all 700 lane miles of the transportation network takes time and the City is requesting the community’s patience. All areas will be plowed in the order listed above.
The City’s Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Events (PROSE) Division will deploy all available equipment, operators and hand shoveling during winter snow events. First priority are the parking lots at City operated buildings, civic spaces, City-owned sidewalks and hard surfaced FUTS (Flagstaff Urban Trails System) trails. All other locations are considered second priority areas and coordinated with City Public Works.
The City’s Winter Parking Ordiance is in effect, under which parking on city streets or alleyways is prohibited from midnight to 7 a.m. from Nov. 1 to April 1. Compliance with the ordinance allows the Streets Section crews to thoroughly plow streets for safe travel and aids street sweepers in the removal of cinders following a snowstorm.
Additional snow and ice operations information is available on the City of Flagstaff website at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/176/Snow-Ice-Operations.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Coconino County Public Works crews are prepared to keep County roads open and passable during the first snowstorm of the 2022-2023 winter season, which is forecast to hit Northern Arizona this week.
According to the National Weather Service, rain and snow showers are expected across northern Arizona starting Wednesday night and lasting into Friday, with the heaviest expected Thursday morning/afternoon. Minor accumulations are expected down to about 5000 feet with around 4 to 6 inches expected above 6500 feet.
County snow removal operations give priority to main arterial roadways then collector and residential streets. Residents also are asked to keep vehicles, trash bins and other obstacles five to 10 feet from the roadway during this storm to allow ample room for snowplows to operate.
Coconino County’s annual Winter Parking Ordinance went into effect on November 1. The ordinance, which will remain in place until April 1, 2023, prohibits vehicles from parking along county-maintained right of way at all times both to facilitate safer snow removal operations and to help mitigate dangerous snow-related traffic congestion and parking issues. For more information, please visit www.coconino.az.gov/WinterParkingOrdinance2017-11.
Be prepared for winter weather at home and always have on hand:
- Working carbon monoxide detectors (with battery backups) in all sleeping and common areas
- 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
- Allow extra time for travel and drive accordingly
- Extra blanket and food.
