Arizona Department of Public Safety urges those traveling north early next week to exercise caution.

- For Immediate Release -

Friday, January, 15, 2010

Arizona Department of Public Safety urges those traveling north early next week to exercise caution

The National Weather service is predicting significant snowfall in Northern Arizona beginning late Monday evening and continuing through Thursday. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging travelers to be prepared for winter driving conditions next week with low visibility and icy roads across portions of northern Arizona. Please note: Three separate storm systems will move through Northern Arizona beginning Monday. The first two weather disturbances could possibly bring heavy amounts of snow followed by the third weather system which is expected to add two to four inches of rain on top of snow accumulation. When traveling to Northern Arizona please go to www.az511.com for current road conditions. You can also dial 511.

DPS urges motorists to avoid stopping along the side of interstates or highways for non-emergency purposes such as playing in the snow. This is very dangerous and even deadly considering that many vehicles are traveling too fast in snow conditions. Parking along the roadways also prevents snowplows from adequately clearing roads in those areas.

During snow storms, ice storms and winter blizzards, all motorists are required to slow down to speeds where the driver can completely control the vehicle. These conditions also can greatly diminish visibility. Motorists are requested to maintain greater following distances to prevent collisions and/or loss of control should the need arise to avoid roadway hazards.

Motorists must keep in mind that roadways become very slippery during light snow flurries. The same applies to light-freezing rain conditions. Remember to have your headlights on while moving through any inclement weather activity.