Major winter storm to impact travel this weekend

A major winter storm could impact travel this weekend across the state, particularly in northern Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises travelers to carefully monitor weather and road conditions, which are expected to steadily decline as heavy snow and windy conditions are forecast in the higher elevations.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Saturday through Monday for northern Arizona. Significant snow — up to 12 inches above 5,000 feet elevation — and ice accumulations, along with strong gusty winds, could make travel difficult.

A high wind advisory also has been declared for the northwest corner of the state, beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday until midnight. Strong southwest winds from 30-40 mph are expected, including gusts up to 60 mph. Strong crosswinds could make travel difficult, particularly on Interstate 40, Interstate 15 and U.S. 93.