Flagstaff, Arizona – Heavy snow and wind gusts up to 65 mph will slam northern Arizona highways by 5 a.m. Wednesday, creating whiteout conditions and dangerous travel across the Mogollon Rim and Kaibab Plateau through 8 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Kaibab Plateau, Western and Eastern Mogollon Rim from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Snow totals between 4 and 10 inches are expected, with widespread blowing snow. A separate Winter Storm Watch begins Thursday afternoon and lasts through Friday morning, when an additional 3 to 9 inches could fall with gusts up to 45 mph.
Flagstaff and Forest Lakes are expected to receive 6 to 8 inches, while Munds Park could see 6 to 10 inches. Williams may pick up 5 to 8 inches. Jacob Lake is forecast for 6 to 8 inches. Lower totals of 1 to 2 inches are projected near Fredonia and Heber-Overgaard.
Interstate 40 near Flagstaff, Interstate 17 near Munds Park and Highways 64 and 89 could see snow-packed lanes and near-zero visibility at times. ADOT warns bridges and overpasses will ice quickly. Strong winds may down tree limbs and power lines, raising the risk of scattered outages.
Officials urge drivers to delay travel. If travel is unavoidable, carry food, water and a flashlight, and check az511.gov or call 511 for real-time road closures. Additional warnings may follow as the next round of snow approaches Thursday afternoon.
