Flagstaff, Arizona – Snow will intensify along I-40 and I-17 before midnight, and drivers have limited time to prepare for snow-covered highways and reduced visibility through 11 a.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, a winter storm will bring accumulating snow from 5 p.m. Thursday through 11 a.m. Friday across northern Arizona. While snowfall totals were adjusted slightly downward due to strong winds breaking up snowflakes, several inches are still expected in higher terrain.
Flagstaff and Williams are projected to receive 4 to 6 inches of snowfall, with the heaviest bands favoring elevations along I-40 west toward Seligman and along I-17 north of Munds Park. Snowfall rates may briefly approach 1 inch per hour overnight, leading to slick interchanges and snow-packed stretches before the Friday morning commute.
At Grand Canyon Village, totals of 3 to 4 inches are likely, especially along Highway 64. Areas near Jacob Lake could see 6 to 8 inches in localized higher elevations. Farther south toward Prescott and Camp Verde, lighter accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are expected, but bridges along Highway 69 and Highway 89 could still turn slick before sunrise.
Wind gusts may create blowing snow and sudden visibility drops, particularly across open stretches of I-40.
Motorists should slow down, allow extra travel time and check Arizona Department of Transportation updates before heading out. Snow tapers from west to east late Friday morning, but icy patches may linger into early afternoon. Additional advisories could be issued if snowfall bands intensify overnight.
