Sedona Snowfall
Exclusive SedonaEye.com photo by Melissa Morrison
Sedona AZ – As of November 26, 2019, the National Weather Service continues to predict wintry, dangerous travel weather for Sedona and all of Arizona’s high country, with the greatest impacts on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. By Friday evening, snow levels are expected to drop to 3,000-4,000 feet with very high winds, snow and/or a mix of icy rain and snow. Meteorologists say snow depths in Sedona could range from 2 to 10 inches.
During winter storm and snow events, the Sedona Police Department is responsible for ensuring public safety while the Public Works Department monitors and responds to sometimes rapidly-changing roadway conditions. We assess road conditions and hazard mitigation needs based on field reports, police reports, visual inspection, accident data and the availability of other agencies, such as the Arizona Department of Transportation, to provide additional equipment and operators.
Read the city’s Snow Removal FAQs. This PDF includes a map that shows our snow removal and ice treatment priorities. The highest priority is safety / emergency evacuation routes and major highways, followed by neighborhood connectors, then smaller streets.
Visit the National Weather Service for the latest forecast, use zip code 86336.
Visit the ADOT’s Az511 website for the latest state reports on roadway conditions.
Follow the SedonaEye.com comments below this article for updates as available.
Above all, use good judgement and err on the side of safety. If you don’t have to drive during a storm event, don’t drive. However, do move your car if it’s parked on the street and your street is snow covered. Ask your guests and neighbors to do the same. Our drivers can’t plow areas that are blocked by vehicles.
Storm update Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, at 1 p.m.
Happy Thanksgiving, please stay safe this holiday and stay off the roads this evening. As of this hour, the winter storm remains on track as predicted. The National Weather Service forecast for this evening states:
Conditions will deteriorate quickly as the strong, cold front sweeps across the area from late tonight through Friday afternoon. Periods of heavy snow and near zero visibility are likely to impact area roadways, including Interstate 17 and Interstate 40. In addition to periods of heavy snow, strong winds will accompany this front, resulting in blizzard conditions at times.
Snow levels are forecast to drop to around 4000 feet behind the front, and a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect above 4500 feet for much of northern Arizona from 3 PM MST this afternoon through midnight Friday night. Clearing conditions are forecast for Saturday.
During winter storm and snow events, the Sedona Police Department is responsible for ensuring public safety while the Public Works Department monitors and responds to sometimes rapidly-changing roadway conditions. We assess road conditions and hazard mitigation needs based on field reports, police reports, visual inspection, accident data and the availability of other agencies, such as the Arizona Department of Transportation, to provide additional equipment and operators.
Visit the National Weather Service for the latest forecast, use zip code 86336.
Visit the ADOT’s Az511 website for the latest state reports on roadway conditions.
Above all, use good judgement and err on the side of safety. If you don’t have to drive during a storm event, don’t drive.
Storm update Fri, Nov. 29, at 8 a.m.
The city has deployed all of its snow plows to maintain high-priority, emergency routes. Snow is falling heavily with total accumulation throughout the day expected to be 4-8 inches. If you do not have to drive, please do not drive.
If you absolutely must drive, be sure to check ADOT’s az511 site first. There are numerous ADOT road closures throughout northern Arizona this morning.
During winter storm and snow events, the Sedona Police Department is responsible for ensuring public safety while the Public Works Department monitors and responds to sometimes rapidly-changing roadway conditions. We assess road conditions and hazard mitigation needs based on field reports, police reports, visual inspection, accident data and the availability of other agencies, such as the Arizona Department of Transportation, to provide additional equipment and operators.
Read the city’s Snow Removal FAQs. This PDF includes a map that shows our snow removal and ice treatment priorities. The highest priority is safety / emergency evacuation routes and major highways, followed by neighborhood connectors, then smaller streets.
Visit the ADOT’s Az511 website for the latest state reports on roadway conditions.
Winter Storm Update for Northern Arizona @ 11:25 AM
A winter storm has closed multiple stretches of highway in Arizona’s high country. Motorists are advised to stay off roads and delay their travel.
Current closures include:
I-17 northbound closed from SR 179 junction to Flagstaff.
I-40 closed from US 93 junction to Winslow.
SR 87 closed from Payson to Winslow.
SR 89 closed from Drake to Ash Fork.
SR 89A closed from Sedona to the I-17 junction.
SR 260 closed from Camp Verde to SR 87.
SR 260 closed from Star Valley to Heber.
SR 66 closed from Kingman to 20 miles west of Seligman.
US 60 closed from Show Low to Globe.
If you encounter a snowplow, do not pass the plow and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the plow. If you are approaching an oncoming snowplow, slow down and give the plow extra room.
Updates will be sent as conditions improve and road restrictions are lifted. For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at http://www.az511.gov.
Final storm update Fri, Nov. 29, at 5 :45 p.m.
The city cleared all emergency routes, major roads, neighborhood connectors and 70 percent of neighborhood streets today. Work will continue Saturday.
Thank you to McDonald’s and Starbucks of Sedona for their generous donations in support of city safety and public works personnel.
The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until midnight tonight, with snow, snow showers and gusty winds expected through the evening hours. Watch for ice and black ice as well, and continue to check ADOT’s http://www.az511 site before heading out.
During winter storm and snow events, the Sedona Police Department is responsible for ensuring public safety while the Public Works Department monitors and responds to sometimes rapidly-changing roadway conditions. We assess road conditions and hazard mitigation needs based on field reports, police reports, visual inspection, accident data and the availability of other agencies, such as the Arizona Department of Transportation, to provide additional equipment and operators.
Read the city’s Snow Removal FAQs. This PDF includes a map that shows our snow removal and ice treatment priorities. The highest priority is safety / emergency evacuation routes and major highways, followed by neighborhood connectors, then smaller streets.
Visit the ADOT’s http://www.Az511 website for the latest state reports on roadway conditions.
The Northern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross has mobilized volunteers to open a
Shelter at the request of the Coconino County Office of Emergency Management. The Shelter, located at the Horace M. Albright Training Center, has been opened to support those impacted by significant snow storm and ongoing cold weather. Those affected by the storm are welcome to utilize the shelter. The Shelter will remain open as long as there is a need.
American Red Cross Shelter
Horace M. Albright Training Center
1 Albright Ave. Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Volunteers from the Northern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross, along with
National Park Service staff, have CLOSED the Shelter at the Horace M. Albright Training Center. Power has been restored to the area. 82 people stayed at the Shelter overnight.
Good news that I-40 is open. Check AZ511.gov for updates.
Flagstaff gets 20 inches, we get way too much, global warming.