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Arizona Major Winter Storm Arrives

Harley McGuire, Sedona Eye Star Columnist snapped a Sedona Snowfall photo of his favorite backyard tree 3-18-12

Sedona AZ (March 16, 2012) — A major winter storm could impact travel this weekend across the state, particularly in northern Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation advises travelers to carefully monitor weather and road conditions which are expected to steadily decline as heavy snow and windy conditions are forecast in the higher elevations.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Saturday, March 17, 2012, through Monday, March 19, 2012, for northern Arizona. Significant snow (up to 12 inches above 5,000 feet in elevation) and ice accumulations, along with strong gusty winds, could make travel difficult.

A high wind advisory has also been declared for the northwest corner of the state, beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday until midnight. Strong southwest winds from 30-40 mph are expected, including gusts up to 60 mph. Strong crosswinds could make travel difficult, particularly on Interstate 40, Interstate 15 and U.S. 93.

In southwest Arizona, a wind advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday until 11 p.m. Strong southwest winds from 25-35 mph are expected with gusts up to 50 mph. ADOT urges drivers traveling on Interstate 10 near Quartzsite and Interstate 8 near Yuma to take extra precaution as strong winds can result in sudden periods of limited or zero visibility due to blowing dust, especially in desert areas.

Sedona Eye Ace Reporter Harley McGuire yard of snow!

Central Arizona, including the Phoenix metropolitan area, is also predicted to get a significant amount of rainfall, which could create slippery driving conditions on roads this weekend.

While ADOT is prepared to keep the roads clear and open, the agency is encouraging motorists to be prepared as well when driving in snowy and icy conditions. ADOT and the Department of Public Safety recommend the following winter driving tips:

Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time.

Be alert: ice forms on bridges first and is hard to see.

Leave approximately 500 feet between your vehicle and a snowplow.

Maintain at least a three-quarter full tank of gas.

Sedona St. Patrick’s Weekend Snowstorm captured by SedonaEye.com star columnist, Harley McGuire.

Notify someone of your travel route, destination and projected arrival time.

Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, a fully charged cell phone, and hazard warning lights or reflectors.

Brake slowly to avoid any panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.

Increase the distance between you and the traffic ahead.

Carry plenty of food and water and all necessary medications.

Carry tire chains, snow cables or snow tires.

Wear warm clothes to protect you during extended time periods in cold temperatures.

ADOT, along with DPS and NWS, will continue to work as a public safety team to support Arizona’s highways and drivers and will closely monitor conditions on the highways while maintaining driver safety.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 5-1-1 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. Motorists should delay travel plans if possible.

 

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15 Comments

  1. Highways Closed in Northern AZ says:

    Winter storm closes highways in northern Arizona I-40, I-17, US 180, SR 87 closed

    Arizona Department of Transportation crews are fully deployed in response to the winter storm that developed overnight. Heavy snow is still falling from Flagstaff to the White Mountains, causing hazardous driving conditions.

    The following closures are in place as of 8 a.m.

    Northbound Interstate-17 is closed at the junction of State Route 179. I-17 southbound remains open at this time.
    Interstate-40 is closed in both directions from US 93 to Winslow.

    US 180 is closed north of the Arizona Snowbowl to State Route 64 at Valle.

    State Route 87 is closed north of Pine near Clint’s Well.

    ADOT reminds drivers to use extra caution and prepare for driving in winter conditions. Check back here for ADOT updates.

  2. Sandra J. Steele, Cottonwood AZ says:

    Sandra J Steele posted in Facebook @SedonaTimes and Cool Mountain Cabin Rentals. Sandra J Steele 9:39am Mar 18 Cottonwood has only received rain so far!

  3. Northbound I-17 Reopens says:

    Update: Northbound I-17 reopens Update 11:00 a.m. – Northbound I-17 has reopened between the junction of SR 179 (Sedona turnoff) and Flagstaff.

    Update 10:40 a.m. – Westbound Interstate 40 has reopened at Winslow. Eastbound I-40 remains closed at US 93, as tractor trailers are backed up at Ash Fork Hill west of Flagstaff. Northbound Interstate 17 remains closed at the junction of SR 179, though crews are making progress on clearing the snow and ice from the roadway. Southbound Interstate 17 remains open from Flagstaff.

    Update 10:15 a.m. – State Route 87 is closed from the junction of State Route 260 at Cinch Hook Hill (milepost 278) to Winslow (milepost 341) State Route 260 is closed from east of Camp Verde (milepost 228) to State Route 87.

    Update 9:40 a.m. – State Route 87 is closed from Clint’s Well (milepost 285) to Winslow (milepost 341).

    Arizona Department of Transportation crews are fully deployed in response to the winter storm that developed overnight. Heavy snow is still falling from Flagstaff to the White Mountains, causing hazardous driving conditions.

    The following closures are in place as of 8 a.m.

    Northbound Interstate-17 is closed at the junction of State Route 179. I-17 southbound remains open at this time.

    Interstate-40 is closed in both directions from US 93 to Winslow.

    US 180 is closed north of the Arizona Snowbowl to State Route 64 at Valle.

    State Route 87 is closed north of Pine near Clint’s Well.

    ADOT reminds drivers to use extra caution and prepare for driving in winter conditions. Winter driving tips and other useful information may be found on our website athttp://www.azdot.gov/knowsnow. For current road and weather conditions, tune in to local media.

  4. I-40 Closed Between Ash Fork and Winslow says:

    Update: I-40 closed between Ash Fork and Winslow

    Update 2:40 p.m. – Heavy snowfall in the last hour has forced the closure of Interstate 40,in both directions between Ash Fork (milepost 146) and Winslow (milepost 252). US 180 remains closed west of Snowbowl to Valle on State Route 64. All other highways in the region are open at this time, but snow is still falling and winter driving conditions are present. ADOT reminds drivers to use extra caution and prepare for driving in winter conditions.

    Update 12:45 p.m. – State Route 87 between Clint’s Well and Winslow has reopened. All roads in the White Mountains remain open, but are snowpacked and icy.

    Update 11:20 a.m. – Eastbound Interstate 40 between US 93 and Winslow has reopened. State Route 260 has reopened between Camp Verde and State Route 87. State Route 87 has reopened between the junction of State Route 260 and Clint’s Well (milepost 290). SR 87 remains closed from Clint’s Well to Winslow.

    Update 11:00 a.m. – Northbound I-17 has reopened between the junction of SR 179 (Sedona turnoff) and Flagstaff.

    Update 10:40 a.m. – Westbound Interstate 40 has reopened at Winslow. Eastbound I-40 remains closed at US 93, as tractor trailers are backed up at Ash Fork Hill west of Flagstaff. Northbound Interstate 17 remains closed at the junction of SR 179, though crews are making progress on clearing the snow and ice from the roadway. Southbound Interstate 17 remains open from Flagstaff.

    Update 10:15 a.m. – State Route 87 is closed from the junction of State Route 260 at Cinch Hook Hill (milepost 278) to Winslow (milepost 341) State Route 260 is closed from east of Camp Verde (milepost 228) to State Route 87.

    Update 9:40 a.m. – State Route 87 is closed from Clint’s Well (milepost 285) to Winslow (milepost 341).

    Arizona Department of Transportation crews are fully deployed in response to the winter storm that developed overnight. Heavy snow is still falling from Flagstaff to the White Mountains, causing hazardous driving conditions.

    The following closures are in place as of 8 a.m.

    Northbound Interstate-17 is closed at the junction of State Route 179. I-17 southbound remains open at this time.

    Interstate-40 is closed in both directions from US 93 to Winslow.

    US 180 is closed north of the Arizona Snowbowl to State Route 64 at Valle.

    State Route 87 is closed north of Pine near Clint’s Well.

    ADOT reminds drivers to use extra caution and prepare for driving in winter conditions. For current road and weather conditions, tune in to local media.

  5. Ron, Sedona says:

    around 1:45 today lots of cars slid into each other on 89a near lower Red Rock loop road/nobody hurt/slid in ditches/tow truck got them out/couple car dents – DRIVE SLOW & GET OFF ROAD folks!

  6. Harley McGuire, Sedona Eye Star Columnist says:

    For once the weather people were correct. Thought the house would blow away in the night but it didn’t! It’s continued to snow throughout the day and I’m shaking all over because the snow falls on the roof and it takes me a minute to remember it’s not a repeat of the exploding furnace! Happy Snow Days! Mom and I are snuggled in and enjoying the view!

  7. Brent Maupin says:

    Drove up from Phoenix airport to Village of Oak Creek arriving at 8 PM. Car flipped over on roof near Orem road off I-17 but police and tow truck on scene by the time I passed by. Could not tell if anyone injured. Roads wet, bit of slush near Orem, otherwise travel with caution and keep speed down for safe passing. Exited before higher elevations and understand it was not good road higher up. Thanks.

  8. Debbie the Mom, Sedona says:

    Sedona and Oak Creek District Schools closed & Yavapai campus in Sedona – get out the gloves & hot chocolate – it’s time for snow angels

  9. Monday Morning Storn Update says:

    Update: Westbound I-40 reopened; SR 87 closed north of Payson

    Update 5:00 a.m. – Westbound Interstate 40 has reopened between Ash Fork and Winslow. Eastbound I-40 remains closed along that same stretch. State Route 87 is closed between Payson and the top of the Mogollon Rim.

    Update 2:40 p.m. – Heavy snowfall in the last hour has forced the closure of Interstate 40,in both directions between Ash Fork (milepost 146) and Winslow (milepost 252). US 180 remains closed west of Snowbowl to Valle.

    All other highways in the region are open at this time, but snow is still falling and winter driving conditions are present. ADOT reminds drivers to use extra caution and prepare for driving in winter conditions.

    Update 12:45 p.m. – State Route 87 between Clint’s Well and Winslow has reopened. All roads in the White Mountains remain open, but are snowpacked and icy.

    Update 11:20 a.m. – Eastbound Interstate 40 between US 93 and Winslow has reopened. State Route 260 has reopened between Camp Verde and State Route 87. State Route 87 has reopened between the junction of State Route 260 and Clint’s Well (milepost 290). SR 87 remains closed from Clint’s Well to Winslow.

    Update 11:00 a.m. – Northbound I-17 has reopened between the junction of SR 179 (Sedona turnoff) and Flagstaff.

    Update 10:40 a.m. – Westbound Interstate 40 has reopened at Winslow. Eastbound I-40 remains closed at US 93, as tractor trailers are backed up at Ash Fork Hill west of Flagstaff. Northbound Interstate 17 remains closed at the junction of SR 179, though crews are making progress on clearing the snow and ice from the roadway. Southbound Interstate 17 remains open from Flagstaff.

    Update 10:15 a.m. – State Route 87 is closed from the junction of State Route 260 at Cinch Hook Hill (milepost 278) to Winslow (milepost 341) State Route 260 is closed from east of Camp Verde (milepost 228) to State Route 87.

    Update 9:40 a.m. – State Route 87 is closed from Clint’s Well (milepost 285) to Winslow (milepost 341).

    Arizona Department of Transportation crews are fully deployed in response to the winter storm that developed overnight. Heavy snow is still falling from Flagstaff to the White Mountains, causing hazardous driving conditions.

    The following closures are in place as of 8 a.m.

    Northbound Interstate-17 is closed at the junction of State Route 179. I-17 southbound remains open at this time.

    Interstate-40 is closed in both directions from US 93 to Winslow.

    US 180 is closed north of the Arizona Snowbowl to State Route 64 at Valle.

    State Route 87 is closed north of Pine near Clint’s Well.

    ADOT reminds drivers to use extra caution and prepare for driving in winter conditions. Winter driving tips and other useful information may be found on our website athttp://www.azdot.gov/knowsnow. For current road and weather conditions, tune in to local media and follow the Sedona Eye.

  10. Harley McGuire, Sedona Eye Star Columnist and Ace Snow Storm Photographer says:

    Hi there. Sure hope you like my pictures. Actually the big tree is in my front yard. This morning there’s about twice as much snow as yesterday. Mom won’t let me go out in it because my fur gets clumped with ice and she needs to defrost me with her hair dryer. I love it though. Rain? No way but this snow is something else.

    Lovingly,
    Harley McGuire

  11. Update on Monday Driving Conditions says:

    Highway conditions update: all state highways open in northern Arizona!

    PHOENIX – The two interstate highways in northern Arizona are open to traffic following heavy snow in the state’s high country, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

    Interstate 17 is open in the Flagstaff area, although drivers are urged to use caution due to icy conditions in some areas. ADOT snow plow crews worked since Saturday evening to remove snow and ice from the highway.

    Interstate 40 is open to traffic in both directions across Arizona. The highway had been closed in various locations since yesterday but crews were able to open eastbound I-40 between Ash Fork and Williams Monday morning.

    ADOT crews also reopened US 180 between Kendrick Park and the State Route 64 junction Monday afternoon, after removing snow drifts that had built up along the highway northwest of the entrance to Arizona Snow Bowl.

    No closures are reported along major highways in the Payson, Heber, Show Low or Globe areas. Drivers are still urged to be prepared for winter driving conditions along state routes 87 and 260 as well as US 60.

  12. Sedona Vacations says:

    Sedona Vacations shared this story via Facebook with its Friends: “Check out Traffic Updates on http://www.SedonaEye.com for winter snowstorm! It’s a Featured story and comments are sledding in!” @SedonaTimes/SedonaEye.com

  13. Charlie Bert to Harley McGuire says:

    WOO HOO !!! MAJOR MELTDOWN IN THE VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK !! LOOKING FOR MUD TO ROLL IN AND STANDING UNDER THE EAVES GETTING WET TO SHAKE ALL OVER THE CARPET !! WOO HOO !! IT’S A GREAT DAY IN DOGVILLE !! WOO HOO !! LOVE THAT SNOW MELT !!!

  14. Eddie S. Maddock, Sedona says:

    This is to acknowledge my appreciation to Dan Neimy, City Maintenance Superintendent, Department of Public Works, City of Sedona for the prompt response to my request for fallen tree limb removal.

    It wasn’t until late on Monday afternoon that I e-mailed Mr. Neimy, requesting the assistance of his crew to relocate some downed tree limbs which were partially obstructing Cypress Drive.

    Between 9:00 and 10:00 AM the following morning there was a crew in front of my house doing just that.

    This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced efficient action taken by the Public Works Department, and it’s refreshing to report positively about a pleasant experience with the City of Sedona.

    If by chance Mr. Neimy receives complaints about the piles of limbs now lying parallel to my front property, he is to be assured that I’m in the process of making arrangements for their appropriate disposition.

    Sincerely,
    Eddie Maddock

  15. Harley McGuire says:

    WOO HOO and ARF ARF to you, Charlie Bert. Mom took me to the Kiwanis Park in your neck of the woods this afternoon, and except for some neat piles of snow they left for the human kiddies to play with, who would know you even had a winter storm out there.

    Well, we still have quite a bit in our yard and I agree. The mud when it melts is pure doggie delight. Mom doesn’t agree. I cannot understand why.

    Anyways, if you need more mud to slosh in come to my yard. It’s great fun. However, don’t expect to be welcomed into a warm comfy house when your teeth begin to chatter. We’re without heat . . . again.

    Lovingly,
    Harley McGuire

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