PHOENIX (AP/CBS5) -
A strong winter storm that has brought heavy snow and rain to much of Arizona has prompted the closure of Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff. [Check the latest CBS 5 radar image]
An Arizona Department of Transportation spokesman said early Saturday afternoon that eastbound lanes of I-40 is reopened at Ash Fork. But westbound I-40 traffic is closed at the Parks exit about 15 miles west of Flagstaff. The section of I-40 has seen heavy snow, limited visibility and multiple vehicle spinouts.
ADOT is recommending tire chains and four-wheel drive vehicles on Interstate 17 between the Sedona turnoff and Flagstaff. Spokesman Garin Groff says many spinouts and crashes have been reported along that stretch of highway since early Saturday.
State Route 64 from SR89A to the Grand Canyon south entrance is also closed.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for snow above 5,500 feet in southern Gila County through midnight Saturday.
A series of fast moving weather disturbances will move through the region Saturday night. Scattered showers will continue across portions of southwest and south central Arizona followed by clearing from the west after midnight.
A few lingering showers are expected over the mountains of eastern Arizona on Sunday.
Highs Sunday in the Phoenix area won't get much higher than 59 degrees. Temperatures Sunday night will range from 33 to 43 degrees.
Partly cloudy skies and warmer weather will develop Monday and Tuesday, however another
Pacific storm is forecast to move into the region Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Copyright 2012 CBS 5 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
