winter

Drivers should be prepared to encounter snow and icy road conditions in much of the state’s high country this week as winter storms pass through Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to avoid traveling during any severe winter storm conditions. Motorists should stay up to date on forecasts from the National Weather Service and plan their travel accordingly.

With the arrival of snow and wet weather, the Flagstaff Ranger District and Mogollon Rim Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest are beginning to close many forest roads for the safety of visitors and to protect forest roads during the winter season.

Main forest roads are expected to be closed across much of the forest where snow has fallen, and the closures are expected to begin tomorrow (Dec. 14). Forest Service personnel will be patrolling forest roads starting this afternoon through mid-week to inform forest visitors and swing gates.

Ensuring reliable power for customers is a priority for Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) no matter the season. Arizona is drying out from the wettest monsoon season since 2014; some parts of the state received more than 200% their normal rainfall. Powerful storms packed with wind and lightning damaged more than 270 APS power poles, but crews were ready to safely and quickly replace them and restore power to impacted customers. More than 170 poles came down in July 2021 alone compared to just seven poles in July 2020. Preparing for extreme weather never stops for APS.

Cooler temperatures are around the corner and that means snow in Arizona’s high country. To help travelers this winter, the Arizona Department of Transportation has partnered with the National Weather Service to create graphics that use their color code for storm severity to better inform drivers of what to expect from winter storms.