Heavy snowfall caused multiple closures on roads and highways around the Verde Valley Monday and left major roadways in Northern Arizona with hazardous driving conditions. Highway 169 was completely closed between Highway 69 and I-17 due to poor winter weather conditions. Crashes and conditions caused the closure of 89A north of Jerome and 89A south of and in West Sedona. A crash on I-17 at Highway 179 caused 179 to be backed up all the way into Sedona during the height of the winter storm. Verde Valley Fire Chief Joe Moore says Cornville Road had to be closed for several hours as multiple accidents and icy conditions made the road impassable. Moore recommends when winter storm conditions exist, don’t drive unless you absolutely have to. If you do have to venture out, he says make sure to have a 72 hour emergency kit and extra water in your vehicle before you do.
