PHOENIX — Highways in northern Arizona largely reopened Friday after the region was battered by wintry weather this week, but another round of severe storms is expected heading into the weekend.
State Route 64 east of Grand Canyon National Park (mileposts 242 to 276) has not been open since Tuesday, but was the only highway closed as of noon Friday.
A day earlier, four other highland highways were closed due to dangerous driving conditions caused by winter weather.
NWS Flagstaff meteorologist Jeremy Mazon said more storms are expected into the weekend and road conditions could worsen. KTAR News 92.3 FM on friday.
“I think everyone in these areas is working hard to clear these areas, but it could be several days before travel conditions return to 100%,” Mazon said. Stated.
“We would like to remind you that snow showers will be expected across much of northern Arizona from Friday afternoon into Saturday, making it unsuitable for travel.”
How much snow has fallen in northern Arizona this week?
The storm, which is expected to move into the region Friday afternoon into Saturday morning, could bring an additional 3 to 5 inches of snow to already blanketed Flagstaff, Mason said.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, which the National Weather Service uses for official monitoring, received 10.6 inches of snow on Tuesday, 13.1 inches on Wednesday and another 12.4 inches on Thursday.
“We expect a lull in winter weather, but by the afternoon another system moving across the state will bring snow to significant portions of northern Arizona, resulting in significantly lower snowpacks than previously. “I could see it,'' Mason said.
High temperatures in Flagstaff are expected to be in the mid-30s through the weekend, with lows expected to drop into the single digits by the end of the week. NWS reported.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to stay away from snow plows as they are expected to be on roadways throughout the weekend as the storm approaches.
KTAR News 92.3 FM's Jim Cross contributed to this report.
