By Matheus Pinheiro Pauli, Correspondent
Image Credit: Hunter Hourany for Horizons
Residents of Yavapai County have experienced multiple Winter Storms in the past few weeks. Severe Weather warnings were issued by the Weather Forecast Office for Feb. 22, Feb. 23-24, Feb. 25-26, and Mar. 1, 2023.
Dangerous driving conditions, high winds, and accumulating snow along with freezing temperatures, reaching as low as 12 degrees Fahrenheit, have been ubiquitous in weather reports throughout the county.
On Mar. 1, 2023, The Arizona Department of Transportation announced that six highways are still closed; most importantly, US180 and US191 remain closed indefinitely.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been impacted by these storms, University Communications announcing delayed openings for the Prescott Campus and Flight Training Center on Feb. 22-23, 2023 and a campus closure Mar. 1, 2023. Embry Riddle’s on-campus resident Greyson Craig expressed, “The delayed starts and campus closure were the right decision. It was clear to see snow that had accumulated on campus and very high winds. I was glad to use the opportunity to catch up on my assignments and spend time with my friends.”
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in the Yavapai County, 88 mph winds have been observed in Sunset Point, and up to 24 inches of snow in the Forest Lakes and Hualapai Peak. The NWS warned of extremely difficult, to near impossible travel conditions, and issued various winter weather warnings.
ERAU student Nevaeh Allen shared with Horizons her experience in downtown Prescott: “The snow on the first of March was a reminder of home for me. I hail from northwest Colorado, so having a foot of snow to trail my feet through was almost surreal.”
The City of Prescott constantly posts updates regarding the Winter Storms on their Facebook page, and they recommend checking [AZ511.com] for updates regarding road conditions and travel risks. Brian Scott, Street Maintenance Superintendent in the City of Prescott, asked that you do not travel unless necessary, and if you must, slow down and keep at least six car lengths between you and the vehicles ahead of you.
