Winter storm brings snow, rain to Diné Bikéyah, northern Arizona

Posted by Krista Allen | Mar 8, 2025 | News |

FLAGSTAFF

Navajo Times | Quentin Jodie
A highway digital sign warns drivers about a vehicle crash on Interstate 40 on Friday afternoon in Flagstaff. Traffic was stop-and-go going eastbound for a four-mile stretch, east of Flagstaff.

Navajo Times | Krista Allen
Motorists travel on a snowy, slushy U.S. Route 89 near Timberline-Fernwood Flagstaff on Friday afternoon.

A winter storm swept across northern Arizona on Friday, bringing heavy snowfall that caused a major traffic backup of over 15 miles on Interstate 40 westbound between Flagstaff and Williams.

U.S. Route 89 north of Flagstaff also experienced significant congestion, with multiple vehicles sliding off the icy roadway and motorists parked along the route. According to the National Weather Service, the storm moved east out of the state by Saturday.

In some parts of Diné Bikéyah, the storm left behind snow and icy conditions, stranding some residents at home because of muddy roads.

This was the most significant storm of the winter season so far, following a dry period that had left Flagstaff well below its average precipitation for this time of year.

Navajo Times | Quentin Jodie
Workers for a tow truck company begins work in removing a tractor-trailer along Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff on Friday afternoon. The Flagstaff area received several inches of snow that snarled traffic on the interstate.

Navajo Times | Nicholas House
The sun fades as clouds swiftly spread over Forest Service Road 193 on Tsoodził Saturday (March 8, 2025) evening.

Navajo Times | Krista Allen
Motorists are parked on U.S. Route 89 near Gray Mountain, Ariz., during a winter storm on Friday evening.

Navajo Times | Quentin Jodie
A wheel loader moves snow in a parking lot in Flagstaff on Friday afternoon. The Flagstaff area received a few inches of snow that closed parts of the roads during the storm.