(Image source from: azcentral.com)
On Wednesday, late in the night, Northern Arizona is likely to experience a rise in the snow by 2 feet and this winter storm is just to keep everyone alert on Thanksgiving evening.
A meteorologist named Justin Johndrow from the National Weather Service in Flagstaff says it is not a good idea to travel to the high country due to the wind and snow. The right time to travel would be Tuesday until Wednesday afternoon this week.
He quoted "It will be cold but dry, we're going to start being affected by a major winter storm late Wednesday night, (but) the peak of the storm is during the day of Thanksgiving through Friday morning."
He added, "pay attention to the weather," Johndrow said. "Be able and be willing to adjust your travel plans away from those times. The weather is going to be the worst."
He says a high elevation of 5,500 feet can expect 1 to 2 feet of snow and elevations between 3,000 to 5,500 feet will get 2 to 6 inches of snow. Besides, there are strong wind gusts expected as well and this is bad for people traveling.
According to the National Weather Service, in the Phoenix area, by Wednesday night, much cooler temperatures and 1/4 to 1 inch of rain is expected this week. It should pass through by Saturday mid-day.
According to ADOT communications project manager Doug Pacey, highways will not be closed during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, however, there will still be restrictions in ongoing workplaces. There would be heavy traffic as well.
He added, "For those driving to locations outside the Phoenix area, leaving early on Wednesday will give drivers a better chance avoiding the heaviest traffic, which occurs in the afternoon and evening”.
What you should know?
1. Routes such as Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson will be be given good safety.
2. On account of Thanksgiving, there is huge traffic expected at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport this week given that it is during a holiday and weekend coming up.
3. Since the roadways will be busy, travelers are expected to use the the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station to avoid roadway traffic and terminal curb congestion while picking and dropping off travelers.
4. All the travelers are expected to check their flight status before going to the airport as the weather is likely to impact flights at Sky Harbor.
By Neha Makhija
