1/21/2010 10:18:00 AM DPS discouraging travel More snow on the way
Ryan Williams/WGCN
Crews work to clear roads during the first of three storms.
Staff Report/GCN
GRAND CANYON - The Department of Public Safety is encouraging everyone not to travel today. The following roads are closed due to weather -
• State Route 89A is closed from Flagstaff to Sedona in both directions.
• Northbound Interstate 17 is closed at milepost 298 (Camp Verde).
• Northbound and southbound I-17 is closed at milepost 337 (Pulliam Field/Flagstaff Airport).
• Chains are required or 4X4 vehicles on US 60 in the Salt River Canyon.
• US 180 closed from milepost 236.8 to 250 (highway leading to the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff).
• Chains are required between Heber and Payson on SR 260.
• State Route 87 is closed from Winslow south to Pine-Strawberry.
• Power lines are lying across both northbound and southbound I-17 at Kachina Village (south of Flagstaff).
A large Pacific storm system continues to move throughout northern Arizona today. According to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, snow levels began at 5,000 feet and are slowly increasing to 7,000 feet. This afternoon, large amounts of rain are expected to fall below 6,500 feet. Flooding is expected in lower regions near the Verde River.
Forecasters say as much as six to 12 inches will fall before snow levels rise. As much as one to three feet will fall through the evening. Strong winds are predicted as a cold front moves from west to east with heavy snow accumulating on trees and utility poles, which could result in power outages.
The strong winds and heavy snow could create whiteout conditions, making travel conditions extremely hazardous.
By tomorrow afternoon, snow levels will fall to 4,500 feet. Areas of heavy rain and snow are expected to continue. Additional snow amounts will range from three to six inches below 6,000 feet with 10-20 inches above 6,000 feet.
Conditions will lessen by Saturday with conditions improving Sunday and Monday. Another storm is possible late Tuesday and Wednesday.
For the latest road conditions and closures, call the Arizona Department of Transportation's Freeway Management System at 1-888-411-7623 or visit az511.com.
