What's the Weather like now? (Phoenix, Flagstaff: dangerous, vacation, land)

[caroldixit]

We are flying into Phoenix tomorrow morning with plans to drive to Flagstaff either via I-17 or preferably 89A through Sedona. NOAA tells me that there is a winter-storm and az511.gov tells me about the road closures on I-17 and 89A.

We will of course check az511 as soon as we land but I wanted a sense of how quickly roads are cleared?
Is I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff a "dangerous" winding route with lots of switchbacks and so on?
And if az511 gives all clear, should we still stay back for a day in Phoenix?

We are warm weather Texans and not used to driving on ice/snow. Any advice for a scardy cat?

[CodyW]

Flagstaff is supposed to get 10 to 16 inches of snow overnight and through tomorrow. I-17 usually closes down around Munds Park, and ADOT does its best to keep it clear. At the very earliest, I imagine the road will reopen tomorrow evening. You might want to stay in Phoenix until Monday, just in case.

I-17 up to Flagstaff is uphill most of the way and pretty twisty in spots.

ADOT usually does a really good job maintaining the roads.. But don't push your limits. Go slow, take your time. If you get nervous.. pull off. Don't push it.

[caroldixit]

Yikes. There goes half my vacation :-(

[FCStraight]

Originally Posted by caroldixit

We are flying into Phoenix tomorrow morning with plans to drive to Flagstaff either via I-17 or preferably 89A through Sedona. NOAA tells me that there is a winter-storm and az511.gov tells me about the road closures on I-17 and 89A.

We will of course check az511 as soon as we land but I wanted a sense of how quickly roads are cleared?
Is I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff a "dangerous" winding route with lots of switchbacks and so on?
And if az511 gives all clear, should we still stay back for a day in Phoenix?

We are warm weather Texans and not used to driving on ice/snow. Any advice for a scardy cat?

I checked earlier today...Flagstaff 32F and snowing..and fog. Tomorrow, Saturday..not much better, 38 for high with snow showers. If you can travel on I-17 from Phoenix on Sunday instead...suppose to be sunny but kind of windy..with a high of 43. If you have AAA you might be able to find out about the road conditions going up on I-17. But if you are driving through Sedona on 89A...it is a narrower (compared to I-17) winding road all the way to where it connects to I-17...so be very careful. I understand your fear of ice and snow...I got used to driving in heavy snow and ice in Germany...but I am still a scardy cat and would avoid driving on icy road if at all possible. I'm in Washington state right now...but have been to Flagstaff a few times during my assignment in Arizona. Drive carefully...just keep checking on the weather and road condition heading to Flagstaff.