Overview:
The Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management is urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and monitor official road and weather updates as continued rainfall, flooding and roadway damage create hazardous conditions across the Navajo Nation. Transportation officials, Navajo police and emergency personnel are responding to affected roads, and residents are advised to avoid closed or damaged routes and use alternate roads when available.
The Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management is urging residents to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel and monitor official road and weather updates as continued rainfall, flooding and roadway damage create hazardous driving conditions across the Navajo Nation.
The Navajo Division of Transportation (NDOT), Navajo Police Department and emergency personnel are responding to weather-related road damage and hazardous conditions throughout the Nation.
Residents are advised to avoid roads that are closed or compromised and to use alternate routes when available.
The Commission on Emergency Management is encouraging residents to remain alert as weather conditions continue to affect road safety and transportation across the Navajo Nation.
Flooding and damaged roadways can create dangerous travel conditions, particularly in areas where roads have been weakened or access has been disrupted.
Residents should monitor official updates from Navajo Nation emergency management and transportation officials for information about road closures, weather conditions and safety advisories.
Officials urge community members to prioritize their safety and the safety of others by limiting travel when conditions are hazardous and following instructions from emergency personnel.
Several roads have sustained significant damage and are closed or unsafe for travel:
Navajo Route 35 – Sweetwater: The west bridge is closed following an overnight washout.
Navajo Route 474 – Counselor: The roadway is impassable due to a severely washed-out culvert.
Navajo Route 8033 – Forest Lake: A washed-out culvert has caused the roadway to collapse.
Navajo Route 4 – Piñon: Multiple washouts and flooded sections have been reported near the connection with Hopi Route 43.
Navajo Route 9092 – White Cone: The road is washed out and extremely muddy, making travel unsafe.
Navajo Route 21 – Kaibeto: The road is closed between Kaibeto and Bodaway/Gap due to roadway and culvert washouts. Coconino County personnel are on-site.
Navajo Route 8027 – Hardrock: An additional section of roadway has washed out and is compromised.
Additional road hazards have been reported in several communities:
Navajo Route 8066 – Black Mesa: Road damage and extremely muddy conditions have been reported.
Navajo Route 9 – Coyote Canyon: The road has reopened at mile markers 7, 15 and 16 following debris removal. Flooding has been reported near Standing Rock at mile marker 25.
Dennehotso Loop Road – Dennehotso: Flooding continues near U.S. Highway 160 at milepost 417. Navajo Police Department Kayenta District officers are monitoring conditions.
Main Oljato Road – Oljato, Utah: Severe roadway damage has been reported. Motorists should exercise extreme caution.
Route 321 – Crystal, N.M.: Heavy rainfall has affected roadways, including a school bus route. Additional assessment and maintenance may be needed.
Lukachukai County Road – NDOT responded to a road closure Thursday evening. Reopening status has not been confirmed.
NDOT reports that saturated ground and continued rainfall are limiting road repair operations. Crews are prioritizing access to main public roads used by commuters and emergency responders. Conditions can change quickly, and additional damage may occur as rainfall continues.
The Commission encourages chapters to submit Incident Command System (ICS) Form 213 request forms to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to identify resources needed in their communities. Chapters needing assistance completing the forms may contact Navajo Department of Emergency Management staff.
Residents needing emergency-response information or assistance may contact the EOC Call Center at (505) 422-6597. Residents should confirm shelter availability with their chapter or the EOC before traveling.
The Commission thanks all first responders, emergency personnel, road crews and boots on the ground working under challenging conditions to protect residents, assess damage and maintain access to communities.
Avoid unnecessary travel, use alternate routes when available and monitor official updates before heading out. Life safety remains the priority as emergency personnel continue responding to severe weather impacts across the Nation.
