Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff closed due to dust storms

April 16, 2013

Drivers who would normally use Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff should postpone their travel plans until weather conditions that closed the highway improve.

Dust storms Strong winds continue to impact Northern Arizona as a Spring storm continues to bring strong winds to the state. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Transportation)

Drivers who use I-40 east of Flagstaff beware. No one is going anywhere between the Twin Arrows area and Winslow, as the 33 mile stretch is closed due to strong winds and blowing dust.

It has been that way since 7 a.m., and ADOT officials warned the closure could continue well into the evening. As of Tuesday afternoon, there was an estimated 12 mile backup.

ADOT spokesman Dustin Krugel said it is hard to estimate when that will change.

"We've had reports of almost zero visibility in some areas, so until that improves, we're not going to be able to reopen the highway, because we want to make sure it's safe for drivers to travel on," Krugel said.

Krugel said this is not the first time this stretch of road has been closed due to wind. In recent years, he remembers a closure of 20 hours on this section of I-40.

Strong winds have been felt across much of Northern Arizona, and a high wind advisory from the National Weather Service is in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday.

   The Associated Press contributed to this report.