A winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service will affect large swaths of northern Arizona beginning Monday at 11:00 AM MDT and lasting until Tuesday night. Snow, freezing rain and gusty winds are expected across mountain plateaus,canyons and river valleys, prompting officials to warn drivers to check road conditions before traveling.

Black Mesa and Chuska Mountains Face Snow and Freezing Rain

The warning specifically lists the Black Mesa Area, Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau as high‑risk zones. According to the National Weather Service, these locations could see up to several inches of snow combined with icy prcipitation, creating treacherous conditions on rural highways.

Little Colorado River Valleys Across Three Counties Under Alert

Residents of the Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo, Apache and Coconino counties are told to expect hazardous travel from Monday morning until Tuesday evening. The service notes that strong winds may exacerbate blowing snow, reducing visibility on the often‑narrow canyon roads.

Marble and Glen Canyons to Monitor Rapid Weather Shifts

Marble and Glen Canyons, along with the Eastern and Western Mogollon Rims, are also under the warning,with the National Weather Service highlighting the potential for sudden temperature drops. the agency urges motorists to keep radios tuned to local stations for real‑time updates.

Who Will Verify Road Conditions? Local Agencies Step In

While the NWS provides the meteorological outlook, the Arizona Department of Transportation and trbial road authorities are responsible for posting real‑time closures. As of the latest briefing,officials have not confirmed any road shutdowns, leaving travelers to rely on live reports.

What Remains Unclear About the Storm’s Severity?

The forecast does not specify exact snowfall totals for many of the listed plateaus,and it is unknown whether the strong winds will reach gusts above 40 mph. additionally, the warning’s end time varies by location, creating potential confusion for residents in overlapping zones.