Flagstaff, Arizona — Winter weather tightened its grip on northern Arizona today as snow and gusty winds created hazardous conditions across the high country. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Flagstaff and surrounding areas above 6,500 feet, with accumulating snow and reduced visibility impacting travel throughout the day.
Snow developed steadily during the morning hours and intensified at times by late morning and afternoon. Strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph, caused blowing snow and sudden visibility drops, especially during heavier snow bands.
Snowfall Totals and Impacted Areas
Forecasters report that most of Flagstaff can expect 2 to 4 inches of snow, while higher elevations around the city are seeing 3 to 6 inches, with isolated locations approaching 8 inches. The combination of snowfall and wind is creating slick, fast-changing road conditions, particularly on untreated surfaces.
Bridges and overpasses are especially prone to icing as temperatures remain below freezing throughout the day.
Dangerous Travel Conditions Across Northern Arizona
Travel impacts increased steadily through the day and are expected to remain elevated into the evening commute. Major routes including Interstate 40, Interstate 17, and U.S. Route 89 may experience sudden slowdowns as blowing snow drifts across lanes.
Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time, reduce speed, and keep headlights on during snowfall. While conditions may briefly improve between snow bands, hazardous conditions can return quickly with little warning.
Evening and Overnight Forecast
Snow is expected to taper off tonight as skies gradually clear. Temperatures will fall sharply, settling near 10 degrees, which will cause any remaining slush to freeze. This raises the risk of black ice early Friday morning, particularly on shaded roads and elevated surfaces.
Friday Weather Outlook
Friday will remain cold and breezy, with lingering blowing snow possible during the morning hours. Afternoon sunshine should help road conditions slowly improve, though highs are expected to stay near freezing, and wind chills may dip below zero at times.
Weekend Relief on the Way
The weekend brings welcome improvement. Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be sunny and calmer, with daytime highs climbing into the upper 30s and low 40s. While overnight temperatures will remain cold, overall conditions are expected to stabilize heading into next week.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Flagstaff
Today: Snow and blowing snow; high near 34°F
Friday: Blustery early, then clearing; high near 31°F
Saturday: Sunny and cold; high near 37°F
Sunday: Sunny; high near 42°F
Monday: Mostly sunny; high near 44°F
What Residents Should Know
Meteorologists caution that winter weather patterns remain active across the Southwest, meaning additional snow events are possible in the coming days. Until conditions fully improve, residents and travelers should remain alert and prepared for winter driving hazards.
Are roads slick where you are this morning? Share what you’re seeing in the comments below.
