Travelers should expect rain, snow in northern Arizona

IN-HOME ESTIMATES 7 DAYS A WEEK

Those traveling through northern Arizona during the holiday week might consider bringing tire chains and packing an emergency kit.

The National Weather Service projects rain and snow from Monday through Saturday, with Tuesday morning and afternoon being the most hazardous travel period in high elevations.

The National Weather Service projects seven to 11 inches of snow to fall in Flagstaff between Monday night and Wednesday, while the north rim of the Grand Canyon is expected to receive eight to 12 inches in the same period.

Drivers should be prepared

Mark Stubblefield, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, recommends drivers prepare their vehicles.

“Make sure the coolant is good for cold temperatures,” Stubblefield said. “Also make sure your tires are appropriate for the road conditions.”

He also recommended drivers fill up their vehicle’s gasoline tank before embarking and to prepare an emergency kit with extra food, water and clothing should weather conditions become too dangerous for driving or a wreck shuts down traffic.

Should a vehicle get stuck in the snow, Stubblefield recommended pouring cat litter underneath the tires to add traction. That said, Stubblefield encouraged travelers to check road conditions through the Arizona Department of Transportation to avoid those situations.

“If the storm is pretty strong, we will be issuing either a snow advisory or winter storm warning,” Stubblefield said. “Under those conditions, travel is strongly discouraged and — unless it’s absolutely necessary — just stay off the road.”

He also warned against parking along the side of the road to play in the snow, as it can block snow plows from clearing the road.

People want to come up and play in the snow, but do not park along the side of the road,” Stubblefield said. “It’s just flat out dangerous.