From the Gila County Division Emergency Management & Public Health Preparedness alert as 4 pm, Feb. 15th:
GILA COUNTY AZ - The NWS has issued a winter storm warning for Northern Gila County until midnight tonight & a snow advisory for Southern Gila County until 4 am on Saturday. Cold, wet & frozen conditions will cause travel difficulties. At this time the Arizona Department of Transportation is requiring chains & 4 wheel drive on Hwy 260 between Payson & Show Low & on Hwy 288 between Roosevelt & Young. To get the most current updates on state road conditions dial 5-1-1 or 1-888-411-7623 or visit: az511.com.
Rain & wet snow will cause water to run &/or rise in creeks & washes throughout the county. Please do not cross where there is swiftly running water. All crossings along Tonto Creek remain barricaded. Predictions are that Tonto Creek will rise to approx. 4.5 feet by noon on Saturday. Although dryer warmer conditions are expected to move in over the weekend runoff will continue to impact the safety of normally dry crossings. Barricades cannot be removed until the crossing is safe for 2 wheel drive traffic.
The emergency assistance center on Elm Street in Tonto Basin continues to be open on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday between 11 am & 1 pm.
The Gila County Division Emergency Management & Public Health Preparedness continues to monitor conditions & information will be posted at on the HOTLINE at 1-928-402-8888 or 1-800-304-4452 ext. 8888.