Flagstaff, Arizona – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 5 p.m. Friday through 11 p.m. Saturday for the Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau, where accumulating snow is expected to create hazardous travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, snowfall totals between 2 and 6 inches are expected across much of the advisory area, with significantly higher amounts of 8 to 12 inches possible over Buffalo Pass. The heaviest snowfall is forecast late Friday night through Saturday morning.
The advisory includes communities such as Ganado and Window Rock, where snowfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are likely to become slick and hazardous as snowfall increases.
Forecasters warn that periods of snowfall combined with low visibility could make travel dangerous, particularly overnight and during the early morning hours. Travel is not recommended during the heaviest snow, especially in higher terrain near Buffalo Pass where conditions may deteriorate rapidly.
Snow-covered roadways and reduced visibility may persist through much of Saturday before conditions gradually improve later in the evening. Even after snowfall tapers off, icy patches may remain on untreated roads.
Residents and travelers are urged to monitor forecast updates and check road conditions before traveling. Motorists who must drive should slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
For the latest road conditions and closures, drivers can visit az511.gov or call 511. Communities in northeast Arizona should prepare for winter driving conditions through Saturday night.
