DPS urges motorists to use extreme caution as northern Arizona is slammed by late winter storm

The National Weather Service predicts up to 20 inches of snow in Arizona's High Country over the weekend

Friday, March 16, 2012 -

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been advised that northern Arizona, above 5,000 feet, could receive upwards of 10-20 inches of snow accumulation between late Saturday night and Monday morning of this weekend.

In addition, low overnight and morning temperatures are expected to cause a hard freeze making highways extremely slippery. If you must travel to the high country this weekend, please remember to be patient as traffic will be moving slower. DPS will be shifting its highway patrol resources to make as many patrolmen available as possible to respond to emergency calls during this period.

• To check the latest winter road conditions, call 5-1-1 or view the information on the web at www.AZ511.gov. Dial 9-1-1 only for emergency situations.
• Remember, the speed limit is based on dry clear roads, don’t drive too fast for conditions. Four-wheel drive doesn’t permit you to drive faster on snow packed or icy roads.
• Leave at least 500 feet of distance between your vehicle and a snowplow or salt truck.
• Make sure you have enough gas to reach your final destination; it can be hazardous to be stopped along the sides of the highway in these conditions.
• Take note of mileposts, exit numbers or crossroads in case of an emergency so law enforcement officers or tow truck operators can find you.

High winds forecast for today across Arizona

High winds, blowing dust could affect driving across Arizona Tuesday

Reduced visibility, possible dust storms could slow traffic

PHOENIX — The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory for Tuesday that could impact drivers traveling in southern regions of the state.

A storm system will bring strong winds to Arizona on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Winds between 30-35 mph with stronger gusts up to 60 mph are expected across much of the desert southwest. Travel along highways, including interstates 10 and 8, could be affected by dusty conditions.

Strong winds in excess of 25 mph, with gusts above 40 mph, also are forecast across northern Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Transportation urges drivers to take extra precaution as strong winds can result in sudden periods of limited or zero visibility due to blowing dust, especially in desert areas. Motorists play an important role in safety when operating their vehicles during a dust storm. ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety recommend the following driving tips when encountering a low-visibility dust storm:

▪    Check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.

▪    Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.

▪    Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and not near where any vehicles may travel.

▪    Turn off all vehicle lights.

▪    Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.

▪    Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

▪    Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

ADOT, along with DPS and the National Weather Service, will continue to work as a public safety team to support Arizona’s highways and drivers and will closely monitor conditions on the highways while maintaining driver safety.

Drivers planning trips are urged to monitor travel conditions by calling 5-1-1 within Arizona, 1-888-411-ROAD outside the state, or at www.az511.gov. The ADOT Traffic Operations Center will post advisory messages on sign boards with dust storm warning information.

Because weather conditions can quickly evolve, drivers are encouraged to regularly check in with ADOT’s Traveler Information Service. Motorists should delay travel plans if possible.

High wind advisory in Arizona today

High winds, blowing dust could affect driving in Arizona today

Reduced visibility, possible dust storms could slow traffic

PHOENIX – The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory for today that could impact drivers traveling in all regions of the state.

A Pacific storm system will bring strong southwest winds to Arizona late this morning with increasing wind speeds in the afternoon. Gusty winds as high as 25-40 mph, including gusts up to 55-65 mph, are predicted in Northern Arizona. In southern Arizona, southwest winds from 25-35 mph, including wind gusts up to 45 mph, could impact drivers traveling on Interstate 10 and Interstate 8.

The Arizona Department of Transportation urges drivers to take extra precaution as strong winds over desert areas can result in sudden periods of limited or zero visibility due to blowing dust. Motorists play an important role in safety when operating their vehicles during a dust storm. ADOT and the Department of Public Safety recommend the following driving tips when encountering a low-visibility dust storm:

• Check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
• Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
• Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and not near where any vehicles may travel.
• Turn off all vehicle lights.
• Set your emergency brake and take the foot off the brake.
• Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

ADOT, along with DPS, will continue to work as a public safety team to support Arizona’s highways and drivers and will closely monitor conditions on the highways while maintaining driver safety.

Drivers planning trips tomorrow are urged to monitor travel conditions by calling 5-1-1 within Arizona, 1.888.411.ROAD outside the state, or at www.az511.gov.   ADOT Traffic Operations Center will post advisory messages on sign boards with the dust storm warning information.

Because weather conditions can quickly evolve, drivers are encouraged to regularly check in with ADOT’s Traveler Information Service.  Motorists should delay or detour travel plans if necessary.