Winter weather closes high-country highways

Maricopa residents thinking of a trip to the high country to frolic in the snow that blanketed Arizona’s mountains this week should make sure they can get where they want to go before they head out due to closures after this week’s exceptionally heavy snowfall.

The following highways are closed due to winter-weather conditions and related vehicle crashes, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation:

•  State Route 89A southbound is closed at milepost 369 near Cultural Park Place in Sedona.
•  State Route 64 is closed from milepost 242 to milepost 265 near the Grand Canyon.

Drivers are advised to avoid traveling during severe winter-storm conditions. ADOT recommends motorists stay up to date on forecasts from the National Weather Service and make travel plans accordingly, including delaying travel when highways are snow packed or icy.

ADOT says snowplows are working around-the-clock in affected areas.

Motorists are reminded to not tailgate a snowplow, leaving four car-lengths between the snowplow and their vehicle.

Also, drivers should not pass a snowplow, but rather let the snowplow clear the roadway of snow and ice, making travel safer for everyone.

Heavy snowfall caused Flagstaff schools to close this week, however, most roads in the city are now open.