There is no estimate for when highway will reopen
Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff is closed in both directions between Twin Arrows and Winslow due to strong winds and limited visibility. At this time there is not an estimated time for when I-40 will reopen. The National Weather Service has issued numerous wind and high wind advisories throughout the State of Arizona.

Dust Storm Driving Safety Tips

Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.

If you encounter a dust storm, immediately   check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.

Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.

Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.

Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.

Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.

Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

A low pressure system and cold front will move through northern Arizona later today and into Tuesday. Stong southwest wind gusts will develop this morning and continue through the day.

A high wind warning is in effect for east-central arizona including the eastern Mogollon Rim, White Mountains, and Little Colorado River Valley for wind gusts of 60 to 70 MPH. The high wind warning will remain in effect from 10 AM until 8 PM this evening.

Elsewhere a wind advisory is in effect with wind gusts of 40-50 MPH expected. Blowing dust may also produce very low visibilities on area roadways in the Little Colorado River Valey.

Winds this strong can cause property damage, consider securing loose objects in yards. Dangerous cross winds for travelers expecially high profile vehicles are expected.

Substantially cooler daytime temps along with showers and Thunderstorms are also expected across the northland with this system. Snow levels are forecast to drop to around 5500 feet tonight and Tuesday with light snow accumulations possible for the higher terrain. For more weather updates visit www.weather.gov/flagstaff. Road conditions and closures information can be found at www.az511.gov.

A high wind watch remains in effect for Monday April 8, 2013. A low pressure system and cold front will approach Arizona tonight and move through northern Arizona on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday strong southwest wind gusts of 40 to over 60 MPH are possible. The strongest winds are likely to be in the east-central Arizona including the eastern Mogollon Rim, White Mountains and Little Colorado River Valley during the afternoon. A high wind watch is in effect for these areas. Blowing dust may also produce very low visibilities on area roadways in the Little Colorado River Valley. In addition chances for rain and mountain snow showers are forecast from Monday through Tuesday evening.