Snow continues to fall in the Verde Valley, resulting in road closures and power outages as of 8:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22.
At 7:30 a.m., the Arizona Department of Transportation reported that State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is closed to motorists as Interstate 17 at the State Route 179 junction north to Flagstaff.
“There is no estimated time to reopen any highways, and additional closures are possible based on weather or crashes,” an ADOT update stated. “We continue to advise against traveling in northern Arizona during this severe winter storm.”
The National Weather Service reported that Northern Arizona is still under a major winter storm watch through this evening. Snow accumulation was not available as of this morning but according to the NWS, by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, West Sedona had received 8.5 inches and 6 inches in both Cornville and Cottonwood.
Another 2 to 3 inches fell overnight.
Flagstaff received a one-day record of 33 inches of snow.
“The city has been running crews without stopping since yesterday morning,” Sedona City Manager Justin Clifton said at 8 a.m. “We have also kept Tiffany Construction on with their road grader, which is a big part of the reason the highway has stayed clear. Thanks to 24-hour dedication from our crews, things have been manageable.”
In addition, APS reported that parts of Cottonwood were without power Friday morning but it was expected to be back on between 10 a.m and 11 a.m.
