Winter Road Conditions in Northern AZ

Images are courtesy of the AZ 511 system.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has sent out this information from the Flagstaff office:

The following roadways are currently closed:

• Northbound I-17 at milepost 299 (That's approximately at SR 179)
• Northbound SR 87 from mileposts 265 to 341
• SR 260 is closed in both directions from mileposts 255 to 302
• US 180 is closed in both directions from mileposts 236 to 248
• Southbound SR 73 from mileposts 347 to 357

There is no estimated time for reopening these roads. ADOT encourages drivers to delay their travel until tomorrow when the storm passes to avoid dangerous travel conditions.

Drivers can get the latest information about highway restrictions and closures via ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or by calling 5-1-1.

ADOT urges drivers — especially those who rarely experience driving in snow — to visit the “Know Snow” Web page before enjoying the winter weather. “Know Snow” information is available online at www.azdot.gov/knowsnow or by calling 602-712-7355. Also available are travel tips, how to prepare your vehicle for the winter, phone numbers, weather terms, and ADOT’s snow-removal maps and plans.

As of 4 pm last night, Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) had worked with the following Yavapai County incidents:

12 slideoffs
5 Non-injury collisions
3 injury collisions
11 motorists assisted
5 reported rock slides

Statewide, the 4pm totals were:

149 Slide offs
31 Non-injury collisions
15 Injury collisions
62 Motorists Assisted

DPS offers these Winter Driving Tips:

WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Prepare for the storm— have a full tank of gas, warm clothes, chains or snow cables, food and water, cell phone, know the weather conditions to and from your destination and make sure you plan ahead for winter driving conditions. Get plenty of rest before your trip and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Make sure you let someone know where you’re going, what route you will be taking and when you expect to arrive.

Driving

• Take your time and be patient
• Always brake slowly and avoid panic braking
• Always accelerate slowly to get the best traction
• Do not turn abruptly, turn slowly and gradually
• Increase the distance between you and traffic ahead, allow yourself plenty of time to break and steer around upcoming hazards.
• Ice forms on bridges first.
• Black ice is hard to see, it forms with very little moisture during freezing temperatures.
• When stopped on the roadway, keep to the right to allow emergency vehicles to get around you.
• Beware of shaded areas on the roadway, ice may be present.
• Do not follow too closely behind snow plows.
• If you are in an accident, become stuck or are just taking a break, do not get out of your vehicle and stand in the roadway. Sliding vehicles are hard to hear on ice and snow and you increase your risk of being hit. Watch traffic, stay out of and away from the roadway and do not become complacent—stay alert to your surroundings.
• ADOT or DPS will assist you as soon as possible.