PARKS, Ariz. (AP) — Northern Arizona experienced heavy snowfall on Friday due to a winter storm, leading to a significant traffic backup on a key interstate route. Stalled semitrucks and vehicles caused a more than 15-mile (24-kilometer) congestion on westbound Interstate 40 between Flagstaff and Williams as night fell. A two-vehicle crash compounded the traffic issue, according to Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesperson Bart Graves. The adverse snow conditions prevented a quick clearance of the road, resulting in the prolonged backup.
Although an injury was reported in the crash, there were no storm-related fatalities in the region. This storm marked the most substantial winter weather event of the season following a dry period that kept Flagstaff and other Western cities well below average precipitation levels. Despite the fresh snowfall, these areas are expected to remain below normal in terms of precipitation.
Snow accumulations varied from a few inches in lower elevations to over a foot (30 centimeters) in locations such as Flagstaff and Munds Park, with snow continuing to fall. The Arizona Snowbowl ski resort playfully declared the arrival of “Miracle March” and anticipated an exciting weekend ahead.
Various road closures were implemented, including stretches of Interstate 17 between Flagstaff and Phoenix, as the storm moved eastward out of the state on Saturday, as predicted by the National Weather Service.
