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- By Native News Online Staff
The Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management on Friday declared a state of emergency in response to severe winter weather, as forecasts call for snow, low temperatures and hazardous road conditions across the region.
“The safety of our people is our highest priority,” said CEM Chair Marcarlo Roanhorse. “This emergency declaration allows the Navajo Nation to act quickly and in a coordinated manner to protect our communities, especially those in higher elevation and remote areas that are most vulnerable to winter storms.”
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory from 5 p.m. MST Jan. 23 through Jan. 24, with moderate to heavy snowfall expected, particularly in the Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau. Forecasts call for accumulating snow, reduced visibility and slick roads that could significantly affect travel, access to essential services and public safety, especially in higher-elevation and rural areas.
The emergency declaration is intended to support preemptive and coordinated response efforts, ensure readiness across Navajo Nation departments and chapters, and allow for the rapid mobilization of resources to protect the health and safety of communities.
Navajo Nation leadership, chapters and emergency response partners were encouraged to closely monitor local conditions, share weather and safety information with community members, and coordinate with the Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management regarding impacts, needs or damage assessments.
Community members were urged to use caution while traveling, prepare for winter conditions and stay informed through official Navajo Nation communications and National Weather Service updates.
The Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management said it will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council thanked emergency responders, chapter officials and community members for their cooperation and continued commitment to public safety.
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