Travel and weather updates from around the state over the holiday weekend.
2:30 p.m. Saturday: Authorities remind residents that shooting firearms is illegal
In the run-up to New Year’s celebrations, authorities in Arizona are reminding residents that it is illegal to fire a gun into the air.
Phoenix Police and Peoria Police tweeted reminders Saturday that firing a gun into the air is a Class 6 felony.
This limitation is due to a state law known as “Shannon’s Law”. In 2000, Arizona lawmakers made it illegal to recklessly fire a gun inside a municipality after a 14-year-old girl, Shannon Smith, was killed by a stray bullet the year before.
The Arizona Republic reported in 2019 that authorities have been going door-to-door to educate residents about Shannon’s Law ahead of the holidays when celebratory shootings may occur.
Those who violate the law can face a presumptive sentence of one year or an aggravated term of two years in prison.
1pm Saturday: The year ends with another high pollution advisory
The Maricopa County Department of Air Quality has issued a high pollution advisory for Saturday as dust and smoke rise to unhealthy levels across Phoenix.
The advisory means a ban on aerators and other landscaping equipment, as well as off-road vehicle travel. It also means that Saturday is a no-burn day. Residents should not light wood fires in fireplaces, fireplaces or open pits.
High levels of dust and smoke create serious health risks for people with asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases. Smaller dust particles can invade the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Fireworks and fireworks often increase the concentration of smoke.
The county provides more information here.
A winter storm that moves through late Saturday and Sunday could help improve air quality.
12pm Saturday: Fog, rain and snow in Flagstaff
If you’re heading north to celebrate the new year, dress warm and prepare for dangerous driving conditions as another winter storm sweeps through Arizona.
The National Weather Service reported fog around Flagstaff Saturday morning, and the Arizona Department of Transportation posted photos of rain mixed with snow on Coconino County highways.
The weather service has posted a winter storm warning for areas above the Mogollon Rim beginning early Sunday, with areas of heavy snow expected above 6,000 feet. The warning says travel may become difficult to impossible and snow may reduce visibility to near zero at times.
The chance of showers will last throughout the day Saturday, with highs in Flagstaff barely reaching 40 degrees. Snow is expected to increase after midnight, leading into the new year.
8 p.m. Friday: Loop 303 will be closed until January
Freeway construction will cause closures on westbound stretches of Loop 303 starting next weekend, the Arizona Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.
According to ADOT, the first closure will be in effect from 4 a.m. Jan. 7 to 11 p.m. Jan. 8 between Interstate 17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway.
Motorists should use alternate routes, including westbound State Route 74 in southbound Lake Pleasant to connect to the 303 after the closure, ADOT said.
A portion of the 303 will also be closed from 8 p.m. Jan. 13 to 5 a.m. Jan. 16 westbound between I-17 and Lake Pleasant, according to ADOT.
The I-17 off-ramps at Loop 303 will be restricted to eastbound Sonoran Desert Drive, while westbound Sonoran Desert road access to the northbound and southbound I-17 off-ramps will remain open, the department said.
ADOT also said there will be intermittent closures on Loop 303 between I-17 and Lake Pleasant weekdays between 9am-11am and 7pm-9pm through the end of January.
– Jose R. Gonzalez
11 a.m. Friday: Oak Hill Snow Play Area near Williams is closed
The Kaibab National Forest Service tweeted Friday morning that Oak Hill Snow Play Area, a recreation area about 14 minutes outside of Williams, is closed for public safety.
They said they are working on “reducing hazardous fuels and mitigating fire hazards”.
Other areas of the forest are open for winter recreation. For more information, visit the Forest Service website.
– Ellie Willard
Friday 11: The intersection of Cooper and Elliot streets was closed in Gilbert
Friday morning, the Gilbert Police Department tweeted that the intersection of North Cooper and West Elliot streets in Gilbert will be closed until the end of the year.
“All traffic will be detoured at the nearest traffic signal in all directions. Please use alternate routes while in the area this weekend,” Gilbert police tweeted.
The department announced the closure just after 6 a.m. citing flooding due to a trickle of water
– Ellie Willard
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10:10 a.m. Friday: Hermit Road near Grand Canyon closed, State Route 64 open
Grand Canyon National Park announced that Desert View Drive (State Route 64) between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View has reopened after being closed for much of the early morning. However, Hermit road remains closed.
According to Grand Canyon National Park, Desert View Drive will be closed during and after snow storms.
The national park says that “during winter storms, travelers should expect wintry driving conditions and some roads may be temporarily closed while the snow clears. Be prepared for slippery, snow-covered roads and limited visibility. Travel with caution. During the winter, road conditions can change rapidly.”
Travelers can call 928-638-7496 for recorded updates.
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