Weather
Arizona Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Snow Squalls Strike Fast
Phoenix, AZ – Arizona drivers can encounter dangerous highway conditions when sudden snowfall, strong winds and freezing temperatures affect the state's higher elevations. As winter weather preparedne
By Miles Carter · 2026-10-28T10:54:57.690Z
Phoenix, AZ – Arizona drivers can encounter dangerous highway conditions when sudden snowfall, strong winds and freezing temperatures affect the state's higher elevations. As winter weather preparedness messaging continues Wednesday, Oct. 28, motorists are being reminded that mountain highways can become hazardous even when lower elevation communities experience mild weather.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , snow squalls are brief bursts of intense snowfall, often accompanied by gusty winds and rapidly deteriorating visibility. These conditions can develop quickly, leaving motorists little time to respond.
How Winter Weather Threatens Arizona Highways Interstate 40, Interstate 17, U.S. Highway 89 and State Route 260 are among Arizona's major travel corridors where winter storms can create dangerous conditions.
Drivers traveling through Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo and Apache counties may encounter snow covered pavement, icy bridges and rapidly changing visibility.
Interstate 40 near Flagstaff and Williams is particularly vulnerable to winter storms and blowing snow. Interstate 17 can also experience sharp weather changes as motorists climb from the Phoenix area toward the high country.
Northern Arizona's mountains and the Mogollon Rim can receive substantial snowfall, while strong winds across exposed terrain may create drifting snow and localized whiteouts.
What Is a Snow Squall Warning? The NWS issues Snow Squall Warnings when dangerous snow squalls are occurring or imminent.
These warnings typically last 30 to 60 minutes and may activate Wireless Emergency Alerts on compatible mobile phones.
A warning signals an immediate threat to motorists, particularly at highway speeds, where sudden visibility loss can contribute to multivehicle crashes.
Drivers should also monitor Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings for longer lasting snowfall and icy conditions.
What Arizona Drivers Should Do When a Snow Squall Warning is issued, the safest option is to delay travel until conditions improve .
Motorists already traveling should reduce speed gradually, increase following distance and turn on headlights.
Avoid sudden braking, abrupt lane changes and stopping in active travel lanes. If visibility deteriorates, exit the highway safely when possible.
Drivers should also carry warm clothing, water and emergency supplies when traveling through Arizona's high country.
Current highway conditions and closures are available through AZ511 .
Official forecasts and warnings are available from the NWS Flagstaff office , NWS Phoenix office and NWS Tucson office .
Winter weather preparedness messaging continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, as part of this editorial series , emphasizing how quickly snow, ice and blowing snow can create dangerous highway conditions across Arizona's higher elevations.