Daily Archives: December 20, 2016

Chance of rain all week with a snow likely Christmas eve

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WILLIAMS/FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff and Williams can expect about the same weather pattern over the Christmas holiday. Clouds are expected to blow in tonight and through tomorrow on 7-mph winds. Wednesday is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 50. The chance of precipitation in the form of rain starts Wednesday night. Rain and low temperatures overnight will cause icy conditions on roads and highways, so drivers should take caution.

ADOT reminds visitors and residents NOT to park along the highway to enjoy the snow. Take an exit and get off of the freeway if you want to check out the weather. Preferably at a safe location such as Bellemont, Flagstaff, Williams or some other area where you can park safely.

On Wednesday night there is a 30% chance of rain after 11 p.m. with a low of around 32 overnight. The winds are expected to be light, but any wind will make it feel colder.

On Thursday there is a 60% chance of rain with a high near 49 and winds of about 6-mph. The chance of rain continues overnight with a low of about 34 and winds calming.

Friday a 30% chance of showers is expected, but it should be partly sunny with temperatures in the mid-40s. Friday night there is a 20% chance of showers with a low around 33.

Saturday, Christmas Eve, is expected to be breezy, around 38-degrees with a chance of rain and snow. Williams may wake up to a white Christmas with snow likely Saturday night and a low temperature of 20-degrees. There is a slight chance of continuing snow on Christmas day and continuing throughout the night. The high will be near 33 dropping to 17 overnight. The chance of building a snowperson is slight.

This weather pattern should clear up Monday with temperatures remaining in the mid-30s through Tuesday during the day and dropping to the low-20s overnight.

Have fun in the snow, but don’t park along highways to play

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PHOENIX – Snow in Arizona’s high country is a magnet for desert dwellers looking to ski, sled, make snowmen and have snowball fights.

Too often, however, a vehicle full of people heading to play in the snow winds up parked on the shoulder of a state highway or even Interstate 17 rather than pulled safely into a designated parking area well off the road. This creates a hazard for more than just the occupants.

“It’s dangerous for the driver who stops on the highway and for other drivers who might be distracted by your vehicle. It’s also dangerous for first responders who may need access to the shoulder to help someone,” said Audra Merrick, district engineer for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s North Central District. “As tempting as it can be, never stop along the highway to play in snow.”

With snow in the forecast this weekend for the Flagstaff area, ADOT reminds those heading to sled and throw snowballs that highway shoulders are for emergencies and that parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in a number of ways:

Other drivers may be distracted by your vehicle.
Other drivers may pull over as well to play in the snow, compounding the problem.
Your vehicle may interfere with first responders who need to use the shoulder.
Plows can throw snow and ice far off highways.
It’s much safer to re-enter highways from on-ramps and other designated entrances.

These dangers apply along highways other than interstates, including US 180 northwest of Flagstaff, where those from lower elevations often flock after it snows. Those who park on highway shoulders to play, even in areas where traffic may seem light, are endangering themselves and others. Locations of designated snow-play areas around Flagstaff are available at flagstaffarizona.org (click the Winter Snow Play link) or by calling 1-844-256-SNOW.

Those heading to enjoy winter in Arizona’s high country should learn how to prepare for extended time in cold, snow and ice, as well as how to be ready for potentially harsh driving conditions, by visiting azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

ADOT’s suggestions of items to have in a vehicle include warm clothing and blankets, a fully charged mobile phone and charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, drinking water, healthy snacks, a first-aid kit and necessary medications. Get plenty of rest, plan your route and take frequent breaks from driving.

Make sure your gas tank is at least half to three-quarters full at all times, and ensure that your wipers, window defroster, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work. Snow tires, chains or studded tires may be required depending on the conditions.

Wherever they are traveling in Arizona, drivers need to be prepared for possible delays caused by crashes or heavy traffic. Another cause of congestion during the winter is the popularity of snow-play areas. Those playing in the snow along US 180, for example, may need 90 minutes or more to get back to Flagstaff at day’s end, especially after it snows and over holiday weekends.

“It’s very important that drivers know what they’re heading into when they come up to play in the snow,” Merrick said. “Our crews are committed to keeping the highways open and safe, but weather, road conditions and traffic can change quickly, so leave prepared.”