If you must drive in Arizona’s winter storm, be prepared for the worst

PHOENIX – Authorities say travelers should avoid driving in areas impacted by Thursday’s winter storm in Arizona.

But if you must go, be prepared for the worst.

“We’re urging drivers to really delay travel into the high country because there’s a lot of snow and ice on the roadways despite all the work snowplow operators are doing,” Arizona Department of Transportation spokesman Doug Nintzel told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

“It’s quite honestly treacherous in some areas.”

Flagstaff experienced record snowfall for a single day, with more than 31 inches, and the white stuff was expected to keep coming down into Friday.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s four northern districts had received more than 150 calls for stuck vehicles and slide-offs.

Since 3 a.m. to noon today, troopers in our 4 northern districts have dealt with:

-152 calls for stuck vehicles and slide-offs
-28 non-injury & injury crashes. (mostly non-injury)

All hands are on-deck! Don't make the situation worse by traveling if not necessary.

— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) February 21, 2019

If a trip can’t be delayed, don’t let long delays or unpassable roads take you by surprise.

Before you go, make sure your battery, heater, wipers and lights work properly and your tires are in good condition.

ADOT recommends packing blankets, warm clothes, food, water, a fully charged cellphone and a first-aid kit – anything you might need if you come across an unexpected road closure.

AVOID TRAVEL during the winter storm. If you decide to travel, leave prepared for the possibility that you’ll spend extended time in winter conditions due to road closures and extreme conditions. #azwx #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/AK9T5fkJ2G

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 21, 2019

Other tips include keeping your gas tank at least three-quarters full and bringing along cat litter or sand to create traction on icy surfaces. A flashlight, ice scraper and small shovel also could come in handy.

Also, let somebody know what route you’ll be taking and when you expect to arrive at your destination.

While driving, go slowly, avoid rapid acceleration or hard braking and leave plenty of extra space between vehicles.

And if you come across a snowplow, stay at least four vehicle lengths away from it.

More tips are available from ADOT’s “Know Snow” series.

For updated road conditions, visit az511.gov or call 511. ADOT also has an app for Apple or Android devices that sends real-time traffic alerts.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ayano Nagaishi contributed to this report.

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