State Prepares Additional Response for 3rd Major Storm

Multiple State Agencies Prepare Additional Response for 3rd Strong Storm This Week

PHOENIX – Arizona state agencies have made preparations for additional public safety and emergency response as a result of the strong winter storm that has begun to dump additional rain throughout much of the state and significant snow in the higher elevations.

Governor Jan Brewer has coordinated with state agencies as they continue their work to keep roads clear and aid local jurisdictions in any potential emergency situation.

For the latest information on road conditions and highway closures, travelers can visit www.az511.gov, or call 511.

Information on storm warnings including links to local response efforts, links to the national weather service, and safety tips can be found at the Arizona Emergency Information Network website at www.azein.gov

The Arizona Department of Transportation has deployed personnel, supplies and equipment across Northern Arizona to allow snowplows to continue to clear major highways and roads as quickly as possibly.

The Department of Public Safety has positioned additional officers to the northern and central mountain areas of the state to respond to the snow, rain and potentially damaging winds by the 3rd in a series of winter storms.

The Arizona National Guard has pre-staged personnel and equipment for response where warranted. The Division of Emergency Management, one of four divisions that make up the Arizona Department of Emergency Management, is coordinating with county emergency response officials to identify any areas of concern, and has pre-positioned sand bags in Coconino, Navajo, Yavapai, and Gila County.

They have been in close communications and receiving daily briefings from the National Weather Service offices in Tucson, Phoenix, and Flagstaff.

“Our state agencies are working diligently to help our local officials minimize the impacts of these winter storms, and to keep commerce moving in local communities throughout our state,” Brewer said Wednesday.

“We have taken the steps necessary to position our available state response assets in the places they can be most effective. Everyone is hoping that no emergency situation actually develops, but if it does we believe we have prepared responsibly.”

Arizona has been hit with several storms this week, bringing heavy rain and snow throughout the state. The Phoenix area could see up to four inches of rain the rest of the week. The Flagstaff area and the White Mountains could see up to several feet of snow by Friday.

“Our state emergency response professionals will be monitoring the storm’s impacts during the next several days,” said Governor Brewer. “I want to thank these fine men and women for their vigilance and preparation.”