The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning Wednesday for northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Williams, and the Mogollon Rim, effective from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Officials said the warning was prompted by expected snowfall of 4 to 8 inches and blowing snow, leading to hazardous travel conditions and extended highway closures through Thursday night.
The warning covers much of northern Arizona’s High Country, including Flagstaff, Williams, portions of the Mogollon Rim, and higher elevations of the Navajo Nation, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Flagstaff office. Officials said the warning is in effect from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, with an extension through Thursday night due to prolonged hazardous conditions. Flagstaff and Williams are forecast to receive 6 to 8 inches, while communities such as Pine and Strawberry along the rim may see 4 to 6 inches, NWS data shows.
Snowfall totals are expected to range from 4 to 8 inches, with heavier amounts possible in localized banded snow areas.
Meteorologists also anticipate wind gusts up to 55 mph, producing blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility across open highways and elevated terrain. These conditions are expected to create dangerous travel environments, particularly on bridges and overpasses, officials said. The combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and slick roads has prompted multiple highway closures throughout northern Arizona, including major routes in the High Country, according to state transportation reports and local news coverage.
Additional Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in place from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 2 p.m. Sunday across a broader area that includes the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Prescott, Payson, Heber, Show Low, and Pinetop-Lakeside, according to broadcast forecasts. The warnings target elevations generally above 4,000 to 6,000 feet, with the Kaibab Plateau and northern Arizona plateaus among the most affected areas, NWS officials said. The San Francisco Peaks are forecast to receive 6 to 12 inches of new snow on top of approximately two feet accumulated over three days, records indicate.
Officials stressed that travel is discouraged during the warning period due to hazardous road conditions. The NWS cautioned that slick surfaces, reduced visibility, and strong crosswinds pose significant risks, especially for high-profile vehicles. Local meteorologists and emergency management sources confirmed that snow tires, chains, or studded tires are recommended for High Country travel, with Arizona law permitting such equipment from October 1 through May 1. Drivers are advised to ensure vehicle safety features such as wipers, defrosters, headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are fully functional.
The storm system has already produced snowfall across northern Arizona in recent weeks, with Flagstaff recording 3 to 7 inches from a prior system and an additional 4 to 8 inches expected from the current event, according to NWS Flagstaff. Earlier in January, Flagstaff experienced 2 to 4 inches of snow on January 8, with total storm accumulations projected at 2 to 5 inches in town and higher amounts at greater elevations. Overnight wind gusts of 35 to 50 mph have contributed to blowing snow and single-digit wind chills, further complicating travel safety, officials said.
Temperatures are expected to drop sharply following the snowfall, with valley highs in central Arizona forecast in the upper 50s to low 60s, while High Country wind chills may reach near or below zero, according to meteorologists. The NWS forecast discussions indicate a pattern of successive winter storms, with one system clearing Sunday afternoon and another expected to impact the state by Tuesday, suggesting ongoing winter weather hazards in the region.
Public safety messaging from the NWS Flagstaff office emphasizes avoiding unnecessary travel during the warning period. Officials recommend preparing a vehicle emergency kit containing warm clothing, blankets, a fully charged mobile phone and charger, drinking water, snacks, and tools such as an ice scraper in case of being stranded. Drivers are also urged to plan routes in advance, notify someone of their itinerary and expected arrival time, and obtain adequate rest before traveling in winter storm conditions.
The National Weather Service office in Flagstaff, located in Bellemont, serves as the primary federal forecast and warning center for northern Arizona. It issues Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Weather Advisories, and related bulletins for the region. The office also provides public-facing winter safety resources tailored to the High Country and surrounding areas.
Comments are closed.