Snow and winter storms have brought colder temperatures to Arizona, with weather advisories in effect for many areas in the northern part of the state. Arizona Public Service (APS) meteorologists are closely monitoring the forecast to help field crews respond quickly to any issues. The utility is using advanced cameras, typically deployed for wildfire detection, to observe weather conditions in real time.
The ongoing storms are expected to bring snow accumulation in higher elevations. APS warns that heavy, wet snow can break tree branches, potentially causing them to fall on power lines and disrupt electricity service. Strong winds may also blow debris into electrical equipment, increasing the risk of outages.
“Snow isn’t something we see every day during Arizona’s winters, so when it pops up in the forecast, we’re all eyes on it,” said Cynthia Kobold, APS meteorologist. “With tools like radar, forecasting models and even real‑time views from cameras mounted on power poles, we’re monitoring conditions closely to help crews prepare – while reminding customers that a little preparation goes a long way in cold weather.”
APS lineworkers are preparing equipment and resources for snowy conditions with the goal of maintaining service and keeping homes warm. Customers are advised to take precautions such as signing up for outage alerts through the APS mobile app or website and ensuring their contact information is current for automatic enrollment. Those who rely on electricity for medical equipment should register with the APS Medical Care Program by calling 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405.
Residents are encouraged to locate community warming centers ahead of time, keep mobile devices charged with backup power available, and assemble emergency kits containing flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and important phone numbers. For those with electric garage doors, learning manual operation is recommended.
If an outage occurs, customers should report it immediately via the APS app or website or by phone at 602-371-3680 or 855-688-2437. They can monitor updates through the APS Outage Map. To preserve food during outages, refrigerator and freezer doors should remain closed; major appliances should be unplugged until five to ten minutes after power restoration.
Safety around downed power lines remains critical: individuals should stay at least 100 feet away from fallen lines, call 911 first, then notify APS without attempting to move any wires themselves.
Additional winter safety tips include dressing in layers and having extra blankets available. Space heaters must be kept three feet from flammable materials and never left unattended. Generators should only be used outdoors and away from windows due to carbon monoxide risks.
APS serves about 1.4 million customers across Arizona as a regulated utility company providing electricity throughout its territory—including urban centers and rural communities—along with related services such as outage support and billing assistance programs (official website). Assistance programs like the Energy Support Program offer discounts on energy bills for eligible households based on income and size (official website).
For more guidance on winter safety measures during severe weather events, residents can visit resources such as the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN).
