The Latest: ADOT: Heavy snowfall could close some highways
The Latest on Arizona weather (all times local):
10:10 a.m.
State transportation officials say some secondary highways could be closed in Arizona’s high country if driving conditions deteriorate from back-to-back storms expected to produce significant snowfall.
The Department of Transportation says it may close lesser-used highways so plows can focus on Interstates 17 and 40 and other busy routes if there’s enough snowfall.
ADOT says examples of highways that could be closed due to heavy snowfall include State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon and U.S. 180 northwest of Flagstaff and adds that closures could be prolonged.
The department says it has nearly 200 snowplows and 400 certified snowplow drivers ready to deal with snow and ice, but it says delaying travel is the safest thing to do during extreme weather.
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8:50 a.m.
Two storms are expected to drop heavy snowfall on much of northern Arizona, eastern Arizona’s high country and mountains in southeastern Arizona.
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for elevations above 5,500 feet.
Flagstaff is expected to get at least a foot of snow through Saturday from the two storms, the first of which on Thursday began dropping snow in higher elevations and rain elsewhere.
Forecasts call for Flagstaff and Williams to get at least a foot of snow through Saturday. Significant snowfall is also expected in many other communities.
After moderate to heavy snowfall Thursday and then a lessening on Friday, additional moderate to heavy snowfall is forecast late Friday and early Saturday.
A third storm is expected Monday.
Copyright 2017 The Associated Press.
