Coconino County and the American Red Cross opened a warming center in Flagstaff due to extreme cold and power outages.

Members of the public who need to seek temporary shelter can go to Sinagua Middle School at 3950 E. Butler Ave. You can bring a bag or backpack containing your personal items. Pets are only allowed in kennels or cat carriers and owners must provide pet food. . Snacks and water are available on site. County officials are also asking residents to make sure their elderly and disabled neighbors are safe.

Meanwhile, thousands of residents in northern and central Arizona lost power Wednesday as a powerful winter storm brought snow and gusts of wind speeds of more than 75 miles per hour.

Homes in Manns Park, Flagstaff and Show Low remained without power Wednesday afternoon as crews worked to restore power, according to the Arizona Public Service Company.

Power outages continue in Payson, Forest Lakes, Dewey, Chino Valley, Winslow and Polacca. Additionally, thousands of homes in southern Arizona lost power during the winter storm. A blackout map can be found on his APS website.

Several major highways in the area remain closed as Arizona Department of Transportation officials warn of dangerous snowstorm conditions. This includes the eastbound Interstate 40 between State Route 93 and Winslow, the westbound I-40 between Holbrook and U.S. Route 93, the northbound Interstate 179 and Flagstaff. Includes I-17, US 87 between Winslow and Payson, and US 180 north of Snowball Road.

real-time traffic information az511.govADOT officials are urging people to avoid travel until the storm has passed, but drivers should be prepared for spending long hours on the road in extreme winter conditions.