Drivers advised to limit travel later this week
Few crashes, weather-related emergencies reported due to storm

Lynx Lake is blanketed in snow Monday, Feb. 18, 2019 in the Prescott National Forest. The lake received about 3 inches of snow overnight from the fast moving storm. More snow is expected from a stronger storm on Thursday into Friday this week. (Les Stukenberg/Courier)

Lynx Lake is blanketed in snow Monday, Feb. 18, 2019 in the Prescott National Forest. The lake received about 3 inches of snow overnight from the fast moving storm. More snow is expected from a stronger storm on Thursday into Friday this week. (Les Stukenberg/Courier)

Unlike the quick-moving storm that tore through Northern Arizona on New Year’s Eve day, Sunday night’s winter storm required significantly less emergency responses from local fire and police.

“There were far fewer collision and snow-related incidents over the 24 hours compared to the New Year,” said Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) spokesperson Dwight D’Evelyn.

D’Evelyn credits the road conditions not being quite as icy and people being much more prepared this time around.

“[The snowstorm] had been predicted well in advance, which likely helped to reduce unnecessary travel and those planning to stay in outlying wilderness areas,” he said.

Overall, he said YCSO only handled a couple slide off collisions Monday morning, but “nothing major.”

The Prescott Valley Police Department (PVPD) reported a similar outcome.

“Since last night, PV has had four accidents related to weather,” said PVPD spokesperson Jerry Ferguson.

Same goes for Prescott Fire Department.

“Prescott Fire did not have an abnormal number of accidents associated with the snow this morning,” said PFD Fire Marshall Don Devendorf.

All of the agencies said they are prepared for what may come later this week as winter weather is expected to worsen, but their hope is locals will limit their travel to avoid having any issues on the road

“Do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary,” Ferguson advised.

Follow Max Efrein on Twitter @mefrein, email him at mefrein@prescottaz.com or call him at 928-445-3333 ext. 1105.


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