Winter weather and multiple crashes left truckers and motorists stranded on I-40 in freezing temperatures on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
A major winter storm passed through Arizona over the weekend and prompted the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to close down I-40 west of Flagstaff on Saturday night.
ADOT reported five collisions on and icy road conditions on I-40 as a reason for the closure.
The interstate reopened on Sunday morning, but many users took to Twitter to criticize ADOT’s response after spending hours stuck on the interstate.
We’ve been here I40 WB Flagstaff since 8pm last night. Guys, this is irresponsible. I can’t imagine families with small children without food, water nor blankets in their cars. There should be a plan to redirect traffic and get them off the road when things like this happen. SMH
— Counselor_Ocampo (@counselorocampo) March 14, 2021
It’s been 11 hours stuck on I-40 WB. This is the slowest crew ever to open the road.
— Larz Schwartz (@HarleyLarz) March 14, 2021
Been in standstill traffic on I-40 in Arizona for 4 hours. No updates. It’s 20 degrees. Luckily I have a blanket and food. Preparing to sleep on the Interstate overnight. I’ve never seen anything like it
— Andy (@ndrewserrano) March 14, 2021
currently on hour 10 of sitting in stand still on the I-40 in Arizona just over an hour from our hotel with no visible weather conditions inhibiting the drive 💀
— Grant (@grantosorousrex) March 14, 2021
Been stuck in stand still traffic on I-40 WB in Arizona for 7+ hours. Dot said lanes are open but no movement in sight. I’m just glad we got a some blankets and food in this 14 degree weather. #Arizona #Traffic
— Sheezakrasywon (@Sheezakrasywon2) March 14, 2021
Several drivers reported running low on fuel and food during the night spent on I-40.
More snow is expected in the Flagstaff area overnight Monday and into Tuesday.
Here’s the latest on tonight’s snowfall. Most of the snow will fall overnight but be prepared for a snowy/icy commute tomorrow morning 🚗 #azwx pic.twitter.com/LArLLyP8pZ
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) March 15, 2021