Flagstaff, AZ — Snow plows have been out in force across northern Arizona as major roadways saw closures and travelers experienced delays due to a potent winter storm. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) took decisive action closing several interstates and state routes as conditions worsened, with crashes and slide-offs becoming rampant.
Amidst Sunday's flurry, road closures included stretches of Interstate 40 in both directions at several junctures, as well as State Route 89A in Sedona and State Route 64. ADOT's commitment to safety was further underscored when State Route 87 northbound at Bush Highway reopened mid-afternoon, as reported by 12 News.
In their effort to mitigate hazards, ADOT plow drivers worked untiringly, clearing key routes like the 17, the 40, and 89A. "We’re getting reports of a lot of slide-offs and crashes due to the winter weather," said Kathy Cline, an ADOT spokesperson, in an interview given to FOX 10 Phoenix. Despite the beauty of a snow-covered high country, ADOT has cautioned against travel unless absolutely necessary, recommending that any driver on the roads should have a winter driving kit ready.
"This weekend we decided to drive to Sedona to do some hiking. The drive to Sedona wasn’t too bad, but coming back, it was bad. A lot of snow, a lot of wind. Driving conditions were kind of bad," a driver named Victor told FOX 10 Phoenix.
DOT encourages travelers to stay informed via az511.gov or the AZ511 application for the latest on road conditions.
