PHOENIX ‒ With two holiday weekends approaching and snow in the forecast, travelers should expect plenty of company at snow-play areas, including those along US 180 outside Flagstaff, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Leave prepared if heading to Arizona’s high country, starting with the knowledge that traffic can be heavy and conditions can be challenging, leading to more time than expected in wintry weather. Here are other ways to make your trip safer and more enjoyable:

• Follow the ADOT Know Snow advice available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow, including taking 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. Also 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.
• Do NOT stop along interstates or highways to play in the snow. This is dangerous not only for you and your vehicle but for other motorists and for first responders who may need to use the shoulder. 
• Give snowplows plenty of room to work, including staying at least four car lengths behind. Never pass a snowplow that’s clearing the road.
• If you’re heading to snow-play areas along US 180, using a marked alternate route through Flagstaff can reduce traffic congestion. From Interstate 17 north, take I-40 east to Butler Avenue (Exit 198) and then Butler to Ponderosa Parkway to Route 66 to Switzer Canyon Road to Fort Valley Road/US 180. This route can reduce delays on the trip home as well. Here is a map of routes to US 180 through Flagstaff.
• Most snow-play areas along US 180 close late in the afternoon, and when congestion occurs it peaks after this time. Consider departing for home earlier.

Wondering about weather conditions, restrictions and possible closures before leaving? Visiting AZ511.gov or calling 5-1-1 will let you know. In addition, AZ511.gov offers views from roadside cameras that can give you a better idea of conditions. ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) are excellent sources of information and interaction on traffic conditions around the state.

PHOENIX ‒ There is snow in Arizona’s high country. 

When it applies, that news has many desert dwellers traveling to ski, sled, throw snowballs, make snowmen and more.

Too often, though, people make these trips without preparing for potentially harsh conditions and the possibility that crashes, breakdowns, traffic or some other problem will leave them in the cold far longer than anticipated. It isn’t unheard of for Arizona Department of Transportation employees and first responders to find stranded motorists wearing shorts.

ADOT offers many tips for driving in wintry weather at azdot.gov/KnowSnow, including wearing warm clothing and having jackets, blankets, gloves and scarves at the ready. But perhaps the most important advice for those traveling to play in the snow is this: Understand what you are heading into.

Winter weather and road conditions can change quickly. Snowfall and windblown snow create low visibility similar to a dust storm or heavy rain. While roads may be clear of snow, cold temperatures can leave ice on highways and especially on bridges. Backups caused by crashes can slow or close routes for extended periods, and traffic can be slow to and from popular snow-play areas.

So slow down. Be patient. Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and those ahead so you have plenty of room to brake. That also will help you avoid slamming on the brakes or jerking the steering wheel to avoid a collision, both of which can result in dangerous skids.

As tempting as it is to stop on the side of an interstate or a state highway and play in the snow, don’t. That’s dangerous not only for you but for other drivers, who may be distracted by seeing your car on the shoulder, and for first responders who may need access to the shoulder to help others. Snow thrown clear of the roadway by plows can be a danger to those stopped to play along an interstate or highway.

The bottom line: You and your vehicle must be prepared for any trip in wintry conditions.

For you, ADOT’s list of recommended items includes 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 and take frequent breaks from driving. Plan your route and be ready for delays.

For your vehicle, make sure the 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.

To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 511. ADOT’s Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (AZDOT) are excellent sources as well.

PHOENIX ‒ Winter’s worst is still ahead as the El Niño weather pattern promises above-normal precipitation, but with storm systems heading into Arizona starting this weekend, travelers should prepare for rain, snow, strong winds and the potential for blowing dust.

As of Friday morning, the National Weather Service was calling for locally strong winds reaching up to 55 mph across eastern Arizona, followed by colder temperatures and scattered rain and snow continuing into Saturday. Between 2 and 5 inches of snow was expected in the White Mountains, eastern Mogollon Rim and northern Gila County, with higher totals possible.

A second, colder storm system was forecast to pass through next week, creating the potential for 1 to 4 inches of snow in higher elevations.

With public safety its top priority during winter storms, the Arizona Department of Transportation deploys resources quickly before, during and after to keep highways safe for travelers, limit highway closures and clear snow and ice as soon as possible. ADOT’s 200 snowplows are serviced and ready, and 450 snowplow operators are trained and on alert.

Because of Arizona’s diverse climate, travelers can drive from sunny and moderate conditions in the low desert to ice and snow in the mountains in just a couple of hours. They should leave prepared to drive in snowy and icy conditions.

With that in mind, ADOT offers these tips:

• Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time. Use extra caution if snowplows are on the road.
• Wear warm clothing.
• Be aware that ice forms on bridges first and is hard to see.
• When driving behind a snowplow, stay back at least four car lengths. If you think you’re traveling too close to a plow, you probably are.
• Never pass a snowplow that’s clearing snow and ice off the road.
• Make sure your tank is at least three-quarters full.
• Notify someone of your route, destination and expected arrival time.
• Pack an emergency preparedness kit that includes blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, a fully charged cellphone and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
• Brake slowly to avoid panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.
• Increase the distance between you and traffic ahead.
• Carry plenty of food and water, as well as any medications you need.
• Carry tire chains and snow cables, or use snow tires.

For more information on driving in wintry conditions, please visit azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out, drivers can call 5-1-1 or visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, which features real-time images along highways that provide a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions. ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) is another great resource.

PHOENIX ‒ The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for the winter season effective Tuesday, Dec. 1.

ADOT doesn’t clear snow from SR 67 during the winter since North Rim visitor accommodations are closed. The highway reopens each spring, usually around mid-May. US 89A remains open during the winter.

In addition, State Route 473, a 10-mile-long highway that provides direct access to the Hawley Lake recreational area in the White Mountains region, is closed for the winter.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

• Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.V
• Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged cellphone, extra clothing, water and snacks.
• Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
• If stopped on the roadway, leave room for emergency vehicles to get around you.
• Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
• If you slide off the roadway, stay with your vehicle. The Department of Public Safety or ADOT will respond.
• Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.
• Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 511 or visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features camera images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

PHOENIX – With Arizona experiencing another wave of snow in the high country this week, drivers should be prepared for what may be a busy winter-weather travel season on the state’s highways.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety say drivers should plan ahead if their travels could include encounters with snow or ice. ADOT has a fleet of more than 200 snowplows across the state and more than 400 trained snowplow operators prepared to clear highways this winter. Giving snowplow operators plenty of room to safely do their jobs is among the following key safety recommendations for drivers to observe:

• Slow Down – drive according to road conditions, including operating at slower speeds and avoiding sudden acceleration on snow and ice.
• Leave Extra Room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. 
• Give Snowplows Space – slow down and stay at least four vehicle lengths behind a plow.
• Be Prepared – bring extra clothes and gloves, maintain at least a three-quarter-full tank of gas, keep your cell phone charged and pack extra drinking water, some food and all necessary medications. Pack items that would help in case you encounter an unscheduled highway closure.
• Pack an Emergency Kit in your vehicle – it should include blankets, a flashlight, ice scraper, small shovel, container of sand for traction and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
• Beware of Black Ice – especially at night when melting snow can turn to slippery ice. And remember, ice tends to form on bridges first and can be hard to see.
• Stay Up to Date – Visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at az511.gov to get the latest highway condition information.

Depending on the severity and frequency of snow and ice in the state’s high country, ADOT usually spends between $5 million and $8 million on snow-removal operations during a winter season. Nearly 190,000 gallons of fuel were used to keep snowplows and support vehicles running last winter.

Did you know ADOT has three snowplows stationed in the Phoenix area? The trio of plows is kept at the agency’s Mesa maintenance yard and is most often used to clear snow and ice from sections of State Route 87 north of Fountain Hills, if and when a winter storm delivers snow to that area.

ADOT has helpful information about driving in winter weather conditions, including what to include in an emergency kit, at azdot.gov/KnowSnow . The site also provides an overview of ADOT’s efforts to clear snow and ice from state highways each winter.