State Resources Providing Much Needed Support to Storm Ravaged Communities

Phoenix – As weather across the state begins to clear and communities start to assess damage from this week’s storms, Arizona emergency management officials continue to respond with life-saving resources for those affected by the consequences of heavy rain and snow.

 The Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) has deployed two state incident management teams - one to Holbrook to coordinate the delivery of county and state resources to the Hopi and Navajo nations; and one to Wenden to assist La Paz County in its response to the flooded communities.

 For those areas hardest hit, shelters remain open and critical emergency services, such as food, water and medical assistance, continue to be offered. Two mobile command centers have been deployed to provide critical communication with emergency services officials.

 The Arizona National Guard is repositioning trucks, soldiers and Blackhawk helicopters to transport supplies and assist local agencies and tribal nations.

 Government agencies are urging people to limit travel to the northern part of the state. Road conditions, power outages, avalanche risks, parking and a multitude of other issues have created a very difficult situation for those living and working in the area. Tourists or those traveling for non-critical reasons should not attempt travel to affected areas.

 “While the skies are blue, the ground is still wet, and snow and ice have created very dangerous conditions,” said Lou Trammell, ADEM Director. “For those impacted by these storms, this is an ongoing and evolving situation. While it may seem like an ideal opportunity to head north and play in the snow, now is not the time.”

 Arizona Department of Transportation continues to asses road conditions. Interstate 17 and Interstate 40, as well as US 60 have reopened. US89A between Sedona and Flagstaff and parts of SR87 remain closed. For more information on travel conditions across the state, call 5-1-1 or visit www.az511.gov.

Although most water sources in Arizona have not been contaminated by flooding damage by this storm, some areas served by private wells and small water systems may have been affected. Some small water systems have issued boil water orders.  Boil water orders are issued to consumers of water systems when water lines are broken or there is a known contaminant in the water supply. 

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