Slow down and delay travel if possible
Flagstaff AZ (May 26, 2019) – Drivers should expect potentially hazardous driving conditions in higher elevations of northern Arizona as a late-season, winter-like storm is expected to bring rain and snow to parts of the state Sunday evening and into Monday morning, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
The National Weather Service is expecting snow to impact travel on highways in the Flagstaff area, including Interstate 40, Interstate 17 and State Route 89A. Also, snow will affect travel near the Grand Canyon, affecting state routes 64 and 67. The heaviest snow is expected Monday morning, with light snow above 5,500 feet and accumulating snow above 6,500 feet. Drivers should expect hazardous conditions and icy roadways, especially Monday morning. Snowfall is possible through Monday afternoon. Less than one inch of snow is expected near Flagstaff, with 1-2 inches forecast near Williams.
ADOT advises motorists to slow down for safety and to consider delaying travel until the storm passes and snowplows have cleared highways. Once it begins snowing, plows will be working continuously to clear the highways. Motorists can assist by remembering not to pass snowplows and making sure to stay at least four car lengths behind a plow.
Drivers should be prepared for winter driving and pack an emergency kit in case they are forced to spend an extended time on the road:
- Slow down: Adjust speed to conditions.
- Create space: Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Avoid sudden braking.
- Give snowplows room: Slow down and stay at least four vehicle lengths behind a plow. Wait for a plow to pull over before passing. The safest place to be when there’s snow and ice on a road is behind a snowplow.
- Leave prepared: Bring extra clothing and gloves, make sure the gas tank is half to three-quarters full at all times, keep cellphones charged and pack extra drinking water, snacks and all necessary medications.
- Pack an emergency kit: It should include blankets, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a small shovel, a container of sand or cat litter for traction and warning lights or reflectors.
- Beware of black ice: Melting snow can turn into ice, especially at night. Ice tends to form on bridges first and can be difficult to see.
More winter driving tips are available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed,@ArizonaDOT. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.