Weather

Each year it's a good idea to brush up on winter travel safety.

PHOENIX – With strong monsoon storms forecast in much of Arizona going into the weekend, be ready to pull aside and wait out extreme weather.

Please heed this advice: Get off the highways when facing a dust storm. In almost no time, blowing dust can drop visibility to zero, especially where small dust channels afford drivers little or no opportunity to avoid this hazard.

PHOENIX ‒ With extreme heat in the forecast, it’s especially important for drivers to plan before taking to state highways, starting with having a fully charged cellphone as well as extra drinking water for all passengers, including pets.

Even though your vehicle has air conditioning, be ready in case you must spend extended time on the highway due to a breakdown or some other reason for delay. That starts with having sun protection, including sunscreen, an umbrella for shade, a wide-brimmed hat and loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing.

Weather pros, scientists, engineers and others work together to make Arizona roads safer when dust kicks up.

We're throwing it back to February 2013, when drivers encountered a wintry mix on Phoenix freeways.

PHOENIX – Drivers should be prepared for blowing dust and reduced visibility along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The National Weather Service says gusty winds were recorded in the Casa Grande area today and the Department of Public Safety reported areas of blowing dust crossing I-10 southeast of Phoenix.

Dust along portions of I-10 is just one of a number of weather-related issues motorists may encounter across the state due to the third in a series of winter storms in recent days.

PHOENIX – With back-to-back snowstorms bearing down on Arizona, know what you’re driving into before heading to the high country.

Highway conditions can deteriorate quickly during severe weather as snow accumulates and drivers struggle, and closures can happen suddenly and be prolonged. If enough snow falls, the Arizona Department of Transportation may close lesser-used highways while snowplows address busier routes.

Just in time for more winter weather this weekend, we've expanded your view of highways and conditions with nine new cameras around the state.

PHOENIX – With two winter storms forecast to blanket Arizona’s high country with as much as 24 inches of snow between Thursday and Saturday, motorists should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions, delays and possible highway closures – and consider delaying travel during the worst weather.

As Christmas weekend showed, a snowstorm can be so intense that travel can become unsafe quickly.

Then why have we spent so much time of late telling you what NOT to do when you're heading uphill for some winter fun?

PHOENIX – A winter storm packing rain, wind and, later, the possibility of light snow and ice in the high country is all the more reason for Arizonans to drive with care and adjust their speed to conditions.

Fall is here and winter weather is just around the corner. Find out what the experts are predicting for winter 2016.

With more monsoon rain in the forecast this week, we're explaining the climatological features responsible for monsoon storms.

Arizona is known for its extreme heat. Each of us can take precautions to help ensure we’ll stay safe in Arizona's extreme temperatures.

The El Niño forecast has had many, including people at ADOT, planning for downpours in the desert and lots of snow in the high country. So what happened, and is it too late for a wet spring?

Hard as it may be to believe, this is still a season for snow in Arizona. Because of that ADOT has snowplow drivers at the ready, including drivers of our new TowPlow.

When Arizona’s latest winter storm hit Sunday evening, ADOT crews went into high gear.

PHOENIX – Recent snowstorms combined with the long holiday weekend means winter recreation areas along US 180 near Flagstaff are expected to see heavy traffic, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

PHOENIX – With back-to-back winter storms packing rain and snow, the Arizona Department of Transportation offers drivers real-time information on highways.

AZ511.gov has the latest on conditions, restrictions and closures, as well as roadside camera images from around the state. ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) helps drivers choose routes and decide if they should delay trips due to weather.

Another option: Call 511 before heading out the door.