Know Snow

Each winter Arizonans count on snowplow operators to clear highways when snowstorms roll through Arizona’s high country. Operators of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s 200 snowplows have been training since mid-September on snowplow simulators to prepare for the upcoming season. 

PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Transportation snowplow drivers have logged well over a million miles to clear state highways amid this winter season’s record-setting storms. 

The 1.2 million miles covered by ADOT’s fleet of some 200 snowplows is nearly twice as many as they drove during the 2021-22 winter season. ADOT’s trained snowplow operators have logged more than 66,000 hours – more than double the previous season’s total – working through the challenge of removing snow and ice as safely and as quickly as possible from highways impacted by winter storms.

I'm just going to say it: I hate the cold.

PHOENIX – As the holiday travel season continues, drivers should be prepared for slick conditions on the state’s highways, as winter storms bring rain and snow to Arizona over the next several days. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to avoid traveling during any severe winter storm conditions. Motorists should stay up to date on forecasts from the National Weather Service and plan their travel accordingly.

PHOENIX – With snow in the forecast for the Flagstaff area from Friday afternoon through early Saturday morning, the Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to check road conditions and be prepared before heading north.

PHOENIX – With snow impacting Arizona’s high country today through Thursday, the Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to consider delaying all but essential travel before heading north.

PHOENIX – Snowfall in the high country and a three-day weekend are great excuses to head north for some snowplay. Unfortunately, vehicles tend to wind up parked on the shoulder of a highway like US 180 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.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reminds those heading to play in the snow that highway shoulders are for emergencies only and that parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in a number of ways:

New year, new you? ADOT has some excellent suggestions to help make you a better driver in 2022.

Heading to the high country to play in the snow is a tradition for many Arizonans. But before you go, make sure you Know Snow, and have a plan for smooth travels.

Cooler temperatures are around the corner and that means snow in Arizona’s high country. To help travelers this winter, the Arizona Department of Transportation has partnered with the National Weather Service to create graphics that use their color code for storm severity to better inform drivers of what to expect from winter storms.

Winter is ready to pounce, which means ADOT is getting ready to close the first of five highways for the season.

PHOENIX – With snow forecasted in Arizona’s high country beginning this evening through tomorrow, the Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to consider delaying all but essential travel before heading north.

Check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting az511.gov. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction.

PHOENIX – A forecasted snowstorm and a long weekend is a great excuse to head north for some snowplay. 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.

ADOT's snowplows are ready to kick into high gear for the snow forecast for the upcoming weekend. 

PHOENIX – A lot of snow has fallen in the high country over the last week and with more forecast, the Arizona Department of Transportation wants to remind drivers who are heading north to leave prepared, be ready to spend extended time on the roads and never park along the highways to play in the snow.

ADOT reminds those heading to play in the snow that highway shoulders are for emergencies only and that parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in a number of ways:

PHOENIX – With a pair of storms moving through Arizona’s high country this weekend and early next week, the Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to consider delaying all but essential travel before heading north.

Waiting out a storm before traveling is the safest and most efficient option because it allows ADOT’s snowplows to clear the highways more quickly. A highway takes much longer to plow when it’s crowded with vehicles that shouldn’t be traveling on a roadway that’s slick with snow and ice.

If you are heading north to play in the snow, remember to take along warm clothes, emergency gear, a travel plan and some patience.