Flagstaff, Arizona – Travel across northern Arizona could become dangerous within hours as a Winter Storm Warning takes effect at 5 a.m. Wednesday, bringing up to 8 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 55 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, heavy snow will target the Mogollon Rim and Kaibab Plateau through 8 p.m. Wednesday. Communities including Flagstaff, Munds Park, Forest Lakes, Happy Jack and Jacob Lake are expected to receive 6 to 8 inches, while Williams could see 4 to 6 inches. Blowing snow may sharply reduce visibility along Interstate 40 near Flagstaff and Williams and along Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff.
The Grand Canyon’s North Rim is forecast to pick up 4 to 6 inches, with 2 to 4 inches at the South Rim. Prescott and Seligman could see 1 to 2 inches, while Buffalo Pass in the Chuska Mountains may receive up to 6 inches. Wind gusts up to 55 mph could snap tree limbs and trigger isolated power outages.
Roads, bridges and overpasses are likely to ice over before sunrise Wednesday. State transportation officials urge drivers to delay travel, carry emergency supplies and check az511.gov for closures.
Snow showers taper late Wednesday evening, but slick roads and strong winds may linger into the night. Additional advisories remain possible as bands redevelop.
