A snowstorm hits Flagstaff in early January 2026
People play in snow, build a snowman, sled and a dog gets the zoomies in Flagstaff, Arizona, on Jan. 8, 2026.
Provided by Discover Flagstaff
A winter storm sweeping across the state was dumping snow and whipping up gusty winds in northern Arizona, forcing multiple highway closures and travel advisories throughout the region.
Snow moved into the high country early Jan. 8 and was expected to continue through the afternoon and evening. Flagstaff had picked up 2 to 4 inches, with snow reaching lower elevations, including Prescott and Sedona, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.
“In our area we expect it to come to an end here later this afternoon and early this evening, with only an inch or two more here in the Flagstaff area,” said Brian Klimowski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Flagstaff. “It’s going to continue this evening and overnight to our east.”
Snow levels dropped as a cold front moved into the region, falling from about 6,000 feet at sunrise to as low as 4,000 feet by late evening. Forecasters say heavier snow was likely this afternoon and evening as the system moves through.
“Roads are bad right now,” Klimowski said. “The highways will be very slick, and we expect conditions will remain in a deteriorated state here this afternoon to this evening, especially along and east of the I-17 corridor.”
Which highways are closed in northern Arizona?
Several major highways across the high country were closed on Jan. 8 due to winter weather and related crashes, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
As of the afternoon, the following closures were in place:
- Interstate 40 eastbound at US 93 (milepost 72)
- Interstate 40 eastbound at State Route 89 in Ash Fork (milepost 146)
- Northbound Interstate 17 at State Route 169 (milepost 278)
- State Route 64 (both directions) between mileposts 244-264
ADOT said there is no estimated reopening time for any of these highways.
Drivers can check the latest road closures and travel conditions through ADOT’s AZ511 system, with an online interactive map and mobile app. Information is available at AZ511.gov or by calling 511 from within Arizona.
Snow, wind and cold persist
Flagstaff could see snow totals around 2 to 5 inches, with more at the higher elevations. Snow will continue across eastern Arizona into the evening Jan. 8 and early on Jan. 9, including parts of Black Mesa, the Chinle Valley and the Chuska Mountains.
Gusty winds could reduce visibility, especially in areas with blowing snow. Winds will shift northerly overnight, summoning colder air as the system departs.
“It’s going to dry out,” Klimowski said. “It’s going to be cold and blustery tomorrow and then a slow warming trend through much of next week.”
Lows on Jan. 9 will be 10 to 15 degrees below normal, with wind chills near zero in the High Country. While snow will cease by Jan. 9, slick roads and hazardous conditions could remain,
“Be careful if you’re traveling tonight,” Klimowski said. “It’s going to be slick out there.”
Why does it snow so much in Flagstaff? Here’s what to know
Flagstaff may be in a state known for its scorching summers and years-long droughts, but it is one of the snowiest cities in the United States.
Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email her with story tips at hayleigh.evans@arizonarepublic.com.
(This story has been updated to add a new video).
