Facts from public sources, not quotes. Where these numbers come from
Where to check the roads and the forecast before you drive in a high-country storm, what ADOT says about chains and snow tires, and how Flagstaff plows its streets.
Get a free quote How it worksThese are the official places to check, and we link every one.
| What | Where to check | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Road conditions, closures and cameras on I-17, I-40 and state highways | Arizona Traveler Information at az511.gov, the AZ511 app, or dial 511 | Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), AZ511 |
| Forecasts, winter storm watches and warnings | National Weather Service Flagstaff, weather.gov/fgz | National Weather Service Flagstaff |
| Which Flagstaff streets get plowed first | Arterials, major hills, downtown, Mountain Line transit and school bus routes first | City of Flagstaff |
| Overnight street parking in the city | Banned midnight to 7 a.m., Nov. 1 to Apr. 1, snowing or not | City of Flagstaff |
| Parking along county roads (snow-play areas) | Banned at any time along county-maintained rights-of-way, Nov. 1 to Apr. 1 | Coconino County |
ADOT's official winter guidance for drivers is short and clear. Restrictions change with each storm, so check AZ 511 before you leave and follow what's posted.
ADOT: “Use snow tires, chains or studded tires as recommended, required or both on snowy, icy roads.”
ADOT says studded tires are permitted on Arizona highways from October 1 to May 1.
Visit az511.gov, use the AZ511 app or dial 511 for road conditions, closures and cameras before you drive.
ADOT says to keep your fuel tank about three-quarters full in winter.
Stay at least four car lengths behind snowplows, and never pass a plow, ADOT says.
ADOT's must-haves include a charged phone, water, coats and blankets. It also suggests a first-aid kit, flashlight, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter for traction, a small folding shovel, battery cables and flares.
Need chains, snow socks or a winter road kit? See the mountain driving and traction picks in the Ice Fighter shop. Check your tire size and your owner's manual first.
The City of Flagstaff's snow and ice plan puts first priority on arterials, major hills, downtown, Mountain Line transit routes and school bus routes. In January and February, light storms of up to 3 inches get first-priority routes only, and in storms of 12 inches or more the city's window for finishing second-priority streets runs up to 36 hours.
That's why the overnight parking ban matters: from midnight to 7 a.m., November 1 to April 1, no parking on city streets or alleys, whether it is snowing or not. If it is snowing, the city says you are likely to be towed as well as cited. A few downtown exceptions are listed on the city's page.
Sources: City of Flagstaff, City of Flagstaff.
In Doney Park, Kachina Village, Fort Valley and other unincorporated areas, Coconino County's winter parking ordinance (2022-06) bans parking at any time along county-maintained rights-of-way from November 1 to April 1. Violators face a citation of not less than $200 or a tow. The rule is aimed at snow-play parking, so don't stop along county roads to sled.
Source: Coconino County. Advisories change with each storm; always check AZ 511 and the National Weather Service before you go.
