Weather
Arizona Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: I-40 Road Ice Risks
Phoenix, AZ – Snow covered mountain highways, black ice and sudden temperature drops can create dangerous conditions across parts of Arizona. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, Octo
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-27T08:11:26.867Z
Phoenix, AZ – Snow covered mountain highways, black ice and sudden temperature drops can create dangerous conditions across parts of Arizona. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that winter storms can disrupt travel, cause power outages and threaten communities, particularly across the state's northern and eastern highlands.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Although snow and icy roads are more common winter hazards in Arizona's higher elevations, freezing rain can occasionally create additional travel dangers.
How Dangerous Can Arizona Winter Storms Become? Even a thin coating of ice can make bridges, overpasses and untreated roads extremely slippery.
Heavy snowfall can reduce visibility, close mountain highways and strand motorists. Strong winds may produce blowing snow across northern Arizona, particularly near Flagstaff and the Colorado Plateau.
Drivers traveling Interstate 40, Interstate 17, U.S. Highway 180 and State Route 260 should monitor forecasts when winter precipitation is expected.
Arizona's elevation differences mean mountain communities can experience significant snowfall while Phoenix and Tucson remain comparatively mild.
Winter Flooding and River Ice Risks River ice jams occur when accumulated ice restricts water flow, potentially causing localized flooding upstream.
Significant ice jams are uncommon across Arizona, although prolonged freezing conditions can produce ice along some high elevation waterways.
Rainfall, snowmelt and rapid runoff are more important winter flooding concerns, especially when storms bring heavy precipitation to mountain watersheds.
Communities near the Verde, Salt, Little Colorado and Gila river systems should monitor official forecasts during heavy rainfall and warming periods.
How Arizona Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several precautions:
Carry blankets, food, water and emergency supplies during mountain travel. Check highway closures and conditions before departure. Protect exposed pipes and outdoor plumbing during hard freezes. Charge phones and prepare for possible power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during heavy snow or icy conditions. Never drive through flooded washes or roadways. Residents can check road conditions through AZ511 and monitor forecasts from the NWS Flagstaff office , NWS Phoenix office and NWS Tucson office .
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing preparation before mountain snow, dangerous road ice and winter flooding threaten Arizona communities.