Editorial: Prepare for more snow, a lot of it

Get ready for more snow! The National Weather Service has predicted anywhere from 9 to 21 inches of snow for the tri-city area Thursday and Friday, Feb. 21-22, in a Winter Storm Watch.

The lower end of that forecast involves Chino Valley – a town that has no snowplows, as we have reported before. Prescott is on the higher end of the snowfall total, with Prescott Valley in between.

Between them, Prescott and Prescott Valley have about two dozen snow plows – which officials have said are poised to clear the streets as quickly as possible.

Admittedly, some storm forecasts have failed miserably over the years, delivering a dusting instead of inches. This one, however, makes sense considering what the approaching weather pattern has done elsewhere.

Still, remembering the last time nearly 2 feet of snow fell locally has been a challenge for people here, even long-time residents. Discounting the mid-December storm of 1967, which collapsed roofs in Prescott and tied up traffic for days, and much more, few people can recall the “really big” snowfall events. (For the answer, visit the Courier’s pre-storm coverage on dCourier.com.)

Knowing that it is coming is a good thing. The Daily Courier has been publishing since Sunday news of the approaching weather systems. In fact, some retailers are already running out of supplies. (Watch for our story about how these storms have impacted businesses.)

But, aside from stocking up on water, canned goods and firewood – or other necessities – a good choice would also be shifting, changing or postponing travel plans.

“Do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary,” Prescott Valley Police spokesperson Jerry Ferguson advised.

It is one thing to get stuck in traffic because of a collision; it is entirely another to become stranded in knee-deep snow or slide off the roadway into a ditch.

Unlike the quick-moving storm that tore through the area on New Year’s Eve Day, which was wet and heavy – resulting in ice and slick, packed snow – these storms promise to be more on the normal side.

There will just be a lot of it.

Law enforcement credits the road conditions not being quite as icy and people being much more prepared for fewer weather-related collisions earlier this week.

“[The snowstorm] had been predicted well in advance, which likely helped to reduce unnecessary travel and those planning to stay in outlying wilderness areas,” said Dwight D’Evelyn, spokesperson for the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.

And, area first responders have told the Courier they are prepared for this second go-round.

Be prepared and limit your travel. Stay safe.

Editor's Note - In your snow adventures today, send photos to the Courier at editors@prescottaz.com. We'll share them with the community! And remember, we're working to get print editions out; however, in the meantime, print subscribers get the online for free. Safe travels - but stay home if you don't have to go out.


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