Navajo police and the transportation department urge storm preparations before the rain begins

The Navajo Police Department and the Navajo Nation Division of Transportation are advising residents to prepare now for heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and power outages this week.

A strong El Niño is developing in the Pacific and could bring those conditions to the Navajo Nation, the police department said. Now is the time to prepare, not when the rain begins, the department said.

The departments list several steps. Prepare sandbags if a property is prone to flooding. Keep flashlights, batteries, medications, food and water readily available. Charge phones before storms arrive, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.

Residents are told never to drive or walk through flooded roads, to stay away from washes, cliffs and bridges, and to avoid crossing overflowing water or going near fast-flowing water. Never underestimate the force of wash or river water, the department said.

A notice card published with the advisory adds three more steps: stock nonperishable food and clothes in an emergency kit, secure outdoor items and fuel tanks and leave gates unlocked for livestock, and check on elderly and vulnerable family members.

Preparing early can help protect a family, home and property while allowing first responders to focus on their calls during stormy weather, the department said. It asked residents to continue monitoring official weather forecasts and road advisories.

What

A storm-preparedness advisory for the Navajo Nation

When

Heavy rain, strong winds and flooding are possible this week

How

Prepare sandbags, keep flashlights, batteries, medications, food and water on hand, charge phones before storms arrive, and avoid unnecessary travel