In an advisory, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are warning residents in northern Arizona that driving may be difficult on Thursday and Friday amid strong winds.
“It’s not abnormal for us to see strong winds as we go into the fall season,” NWS meteorologist Valerie Meola, who works at the NWS Flagstaff office, told Newsweek.
Why It Matters
The NWS office in Flagstaff, Arizona, has issued a wind advisory for large portions of northern Arizona, warning thousands in the region to expect difficult travel conditions due to strong winds.
South winds are forecast to reach 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 mph, creating hazards that could impact vehicle safety, power infrastructure, and property. The advisory highlights the risks posed particularly to high-profile vehicles such as recreational vehicles, campers, and tractor trailers, and underscores the need for caution on affected highways and local roads.
What To Know
The wind advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. local time on Thursday until 7 p.m. local time on Friday. The affected areas include the Kaibab Plateau, Grand Canyon Country, Coconino Plateau, the Northeast Plateaus and Mesas north and south of Highway 264, the Little Colorado River Valleys in Coconino and Navajo counties, and the Black Mesa Area. Cities and communities under the advisory include Fredonia, Valle, Navajo National Monument, Kaibito, Kykotsmovi, Jacob Lake, Dilkon, Supai, Wupatki National Monument, Tuba City, Winslow, Holbrook, North Rim, Snowflake, Grand Canyon Village, and Keams Canyon, among others.
The NWS warns that the winds can blow around unsecured objects, and tree limbs could be snapped, resulting in the potential for scattered power outages. NWS Flagstaff warned that trees weakened by wildfires were particularly at risk of snapping.
One of the largest impacts of the strong winds will be difficult travel. Meola told Newsweek the strongest winds will pick up late Friday morning and continue into the evening hours.
High-profile vehicles are especially vulnerable to being blown off course, which poses a risk for overturning or losing control on roadways.
Outside of travel concerns, unsecured outdoor objects such as patio furniture, trash cans, and trampolines may become airborne or damaged. Property owners are advised to secure loose items in advance of the advisory period.
“Things may get blown around, so they may want to bring some of those things inside,” Meola said.
What People Are Saying
NWS Flagstaff in a wind advisory: “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles, such as RVs, campers, and tractor trailers. Use extra caution. Secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.”
NWS Flagstaff in a post on X: “Gusty winds will return to the forecast on Friday. As a result, a Wind Advisory has been issued for portions of northern Arizona where wind gusts could reach 40-45 mph.”
What Happens Next
The NWS will continue to monitor local conditions and provide updates as necessary through their public alert system. Residents and motorists in the affected areas are urged to stay informed, exercise caution, and prepare for sudden changes in travel conditions.
Authorities recommend securing outdoor objects and closely monitoring official weather bulletins for the latest information.