Weather
Arizona Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Prepare for Winter Storms
Phoenix, AZ – Winter Weather Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 25, with an important question for Arizona residents: What actually makes a winter storm a blizzard? Although much of Arizona is know
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-25T17:50:32.651Z
Phoenix, AZ – Winter Weather Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 25, with an important question for Arizona residents: What actually makes a winter storm a blizzard? Although much of Arizona is known for desert heat, northern and high elevation communities can experience dangerous snowstorms, powerful winds and near zero visibility.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , a blizzard occurs when sustained winds or frequent gusts reach at least 35 mph, accompanied by falling or blowing snow that reduces visibility to one quarter mile or less for at least three hours.
Heavy snowfall isn't required. Strong winds can lift snow already on the ground, producing a ground blizzard even after new snowfall stops.
What's the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning? A Winter Storm Watch means significant winter weather is possible, giving residents time to prepare.
A Winter Storm Warning means dangerous winter conditions are expected or already occurring.
A Blizzard Warning indicates blizzard conditions are expected or underway. Travel can become extremely dangerous as blowing snow reduces visibility and drifts block highways.
What Should Arizona Residents Have Ready? Before winter storms arrive, households should prepare emergency supplies, including:
Food and water: At least three days of nonperishable food and one gallon of water per person daily. Warmth: Extra blankets, sleeping bags, insulated clothing and safe backup heating options. Emergency supplies: Flashlights, batteries, medications, first aid kits and charged power banks. Vehicles: A full gas tank, blankets, jumper cables, an ice scraper, a small shovel and emergency supplies. Snow removal: Shovels, ice melt, rock salt and traction materials where appropriate. Never operate generators, outdoor grills or other outdoor fuel burning equipment indoors or inside garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Arizona From Flagstaff and Coconino County to Williams, Winslow, Show Low, Pinetop Lakeside and communities along the Mogollon Rim, winter storms can create dangerous travel conditions.
Northern Arizona's high elevations are particularly vulnerable to heavy snowfall, strong winds and sudden whiteouts.
Interstate 40 near Flagstaff and Williams, Interstate 17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff, and U.S. Highway 180 can become hazardous during winter storms.
Mountain communities in the White Mountains and along State Route 260 can also experience accumulating snow, icy roads and difficult travel.
In Phoenix, Tucson and other lower elevation communities, blizzards are exceptionally rare. However, residents traveling north for skiing, holiday trips or mountain recreation may encounter dramatically different conditions within a few hours.
Remote highways, freezing temperatures and delayed emergency response can make stranded vehicles especially dangerous.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency plans, check supplies and monitor official NWS forecasts and AZ511 road conditions.
Remember: A blizzard is defined by wind, visibility and duration — not snowfall totals.