High Wind Warning in Effect for White Mountains and Painted Desert

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff, AZ, has issued a High Wind Warning (HWW) for the White Mountains and surrounding regions. The alert was issued on February 17 and remains in effect through Wednesday evening.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the following geographic regions in Arizona:

• Painted Desert
• White Mountains
• Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264

Expected Conditions

Forecasters expect sustained southwest winds ranging from 25 to 35 mph. Peak wind gusts are projected to reach up to 60 mph. These conditions are expected to create hazardous environments for both residents and travelers.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is effective during the following window:

• Onset: 5:00 AM MST, Wednesday, February 18
• Expiration: 7:00 PM MST, Wednesday, February 18

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area are advised to take the following precautions:

• Driving Safety: Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating high-profile vehicles such as RVs, campers, and tractor-trailers, as winds this strong can make driving difficult.
• Property Protection: Secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.
• Infrastructure Awareness: Be prepared for potential power outages, as damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.

Potential Impacts

High winds of this magnitude are capable of causing property damage and infrastructure failure. Downed trees and power lines are possible, and travel will be difficult across the affected zones.