Flagstaff, AZ – Snow levels dropping to 5,500 feet and wind gusts up to 45 mph could turn stretches of Interstate 40 and Interstate 17 slick by 6 p.m. Tuesday, disrupting travel across northern Arizona through Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, a series of Pacific storm systems will bring increasing winds Monday before mountain snow and valley rain develop Monday night. Southwest winds will strengthen to 15 to 25 mph with gusts between 35 and 45 mph Tuesday and Wednesday. Snow levels will hover between 5,000 and 6,500 feet, allowing accumulating snow across the Mogollon Rim, Flagstaff, Williams and higher terrain along I-40.
Forecasters indicate 3 to 6 inches of snow are likely Tuesday, with 4 to 8 inches possible by Wednesday in elevations above 6,000 feet. Blowing snow could reduce visibility below one mile on open stretches of I-40 near Bellemont and US-89 north of Flagstaff. Travelers on I-17 toward Munds Park may also encounter slick conditions during the Wednesday morning commute.
Lower elevations including Prescott and Sedona can expect periods of rain, but snow levels may drop as low as 4,000 to 4,500 feet late Thursday into Friday.
Drivers should prepare now by checking tire chains, slowing speeds in mountain corridors and allowing extra travel time. Additional advisories or winter weather alerts may be issued as the system strengthens through midweek.
