Travel disruptions are likely across parts of northern Arizona as a winter storm moves into the region Thursday evening and Friday, with up to 8 inches of snow forecast in higher elevations. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Flagstaff has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for areas above 7,000 feet, warning of hazardous travel conditions as snow and wind intensify.

Why It Matters

A cold front sweeping across the western United States is bringing an unseasonable drop in temperatures and significant snowfall to northern Arizona. The storm is part of a larger upper-level pattern influencing weather across the western and central United States, the NWS said in its national forecast on Thursday.

Travel impacts are likely where snowfall and gusty winds combine to reduce visibility and create slick road conditions, especially in mountainous terrain. The NWS has urged drivers to plan for delays and use caution during peak snowfall Friday.

What to Know

A Winter Weather Advisory issued by the NWS Flagstaff office goes into effect Thursday evening and remains active through Friday evening. The advisory covers elevations above 7,000 feet, where 2 to 8 inches of snow are forecast, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph.

The Kaibab Plateau is among the areas expected to see the heaviest accumulation, with Jacob Lake forecast to receive 4 to 6 inches, according to the advisory posted Thursday morning.

“Dry conditions and gusty winds will be present through much of today, with rain and snow showers starting this evening across NW AZ. Heaviest precipitation is likely Friday morning/afternoon, so give yourself a few extra minutes for your [Friday] commutes,” NWS Flagstaff said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday.

No formal closures or delays had been issued as of Thursday afternoon, but the NWS cautioned in its alert: “Slow down and use caution while traveling.”

Winter weather also is stretching further north in the Rocky Mountains. NWS offices have issued winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings across Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah.

Temperatures across those states could be as much as 30 degrees below average.

“A potent cold front pushing south through the West and Central U.S. will continue to produce heavy snow and strong winds over portions of the Rockies,” the NWS said in its Thursday forecast.

What People Are Saying

When looking at historical observations, NWS meteorologist Jacob Lewandowski told Newsweek: “Typically, [the region’s] last day to get snow on average is May 2. This is a more accumulating event, … so the last day they get 2 inches of snow on average is April 20. We are right in that range of the last day you can expect to get any accumulating snow. It is not at all unusual to get an event like this at this time of year.”

He added: “Our biggest concerns are going to be impacts to roads. Some accumulating snow could make roads slick. But any accumulating snow is not going to last super long. Things are going to melt in a day or two.”

NWS Flagstaff in a winter weather advisory: “Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall will create snow-covered roads and hazardous driving conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.”

What Happens Next

Weather conditions are expected to improve by Sunday. Until then, forecasters advise travelers to monitor updates and road conditions through Arizona’s 511 service and NWS bulletins.