FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Public Works Department has closed Stoneman Lake Road and Perkinsville Road (FH-73) in advance of a major winter storm that will bring heavy snow and high winds to the region starting this afternoon.
Stoneman Lake Road closed for travel between I-17 and Lake Mary Road at 6:00 p.m. yesterday. Local residents in the Stoneman Lake area can still access their properties from I-17 but are advised to use extreme caution during this storm.
A 22-mile stretch of Perkinsville Road was closed at 4:00 a.m. this morning between White Horse Road, which is approximately 8 miles south of Williams, and the community of Drake in Yavapai County.
These closures are necessary for public safety due to expected hazardous driving conditions from high winds and heavy snow, and to allow for snow removal operations. Public Works coordinated with Yavapai County to facilitate both closures.
Perkinsville Road and Stoneman Lake Road will remain closed until weather conditions allow the County to safely reopen these roadways.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning that is scheduled to be in effect from noon today until 5 a.m. tomorrow. According to the NWS, this storm will bring total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches and winds gusting as high as 45-55 mph. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel is not recommended as heavy snowfall and low visibility will create dangerous driving conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday evening commute. Strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.
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 Coconino County on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CoconinoCounty and X at www.x.com/CoconinoCounty for updates on road and weather conditions as they become available.
- City of Flagstaff Public Works: Please call 928-213-2100 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.
- National Weather Service (NWS): For weather information about winter storms, please visit the NWS web page at www.weather.gov/flagstaff.
- Emergencies: To report snow-related road emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
As a reminder, the County’s winter parking ordinance Winter Parking Ordinance 2022-06, always prohibits parking along County maintained rights-of-way between November 1 and April 1 and allows for the civil enforcement of parking restrictions either by citation (not less than $200 fine) or towing.
Be prepared 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 straps, 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 blankets and food
- Cell phone and charger
