By Matt Roy
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

“I’m dreaming of a White Christmas, just like the ones I used to know.”

With those lyrics written by Irving Berlin in 1939, “White Christmas” captures a nostalgia shared by many, who pine for colder climes and simpler times.

An instant holiday classic, Bing Crosby’s 1942 rendition went on to win an Oscar for the film Holiday Inn and remains the best-selling record of all time, according to Billboard.com.

Some sources claim a local connection to the song, which was reputedly composed poolside at the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, while others contend Mr. Berlin penned it at a resort in La Quinta, California.

But regardless of the controversy surrounding the song’s origin, one fact remains beyond dispute  — holiday travelers will get their white Christmas this year after all.

Snow warnings

Weather experts and state officials Monday warned drivers to take care, forecasting rain across the Valley, with snow and icy conditions predicted for the higher elevations throughout the week.

“From snow in the high country to rain at lower elevations, a winter storm is forecast to create difficult driving conditions across Arizona starting Monday evening. Drivers should budget extra time, slow down and be ready to put off travel during the worst weather,” according to Dec. 23 press release from the Arizona Department of Transportation.

For those traveling north from Phoenix via Interstate 17, snow showers are expected down to 5,000 feet in elevation on Christmas Day with Flagstaff hovering around the freezing point.

Traffic delays are likely, as drivers can expect snowy conditions beginning just north of the Highway 179 junction.

With slightly warmer temperatures near Payson, those headed north on the Beeline Highway may encounter rain and snow showers along with patchy fog.

Officials urged drivers to slow down and plan ahead to ensure safety as the winter storm continues to moisten the mountains throughout the weekend.

“If traveling in the high country, leave prepared to spend more time on the roads than usual and, in case you become stranded, pack an emergency kit that includes  — at a minimum  — extra blankets, warm clothes, food and water, sand or cat litter for traction, a first-aid kit and a fully charged cellphone,” according to ADOT’s advisory.

Officials said they employ 400 certified drivers, who operate the agency’s 200 snowplows across the state. They reminded drivers to give the snowplows a wide berth.

“Give them space, starting with staying at least four vehicle lengths behind and never passing a plow until the driver pulls over to let traffic pass. Never assume a snowplow operator knows you are nearby. If you can’t see the plow driver, there is a good chance he or she can’t see you,” officials stated.

Safety tips

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers winter driving tips at the agency’s website, www.nhtsa.gov.

They suggest packing special items to cope with the cold while driving or when stopped by traffic or obstructions.

“Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks or supplies you might need in an emergency,” they stated.

Some recommended travel items include:

• Snow shovel, broom and ice scraper
• Abrasive materials, like sand or kitty litter, in case the vehicle gets stuck in snow or mud
• Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices, like flares and emergency markers
• Blankets to protect from the cold
• A cell phone with charger, water, food and any needed medications

If stopped or stalled en route, travelers are advised to stay with their car and avoid overexertion, place a bright marker on an antenna or on the windshield to signal for help, and keep the interior dome light lit.

While waiting for help, ensure good ventilation and run the engine intermittently to conserve fuel and prevent asphyxiation, officials warned.

“To avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm,” they stated.

Wet roads

For those traversing the lower elevations, ADOT officials warned drivers of wet conditions, urging reduced speeds and longer follow distances.

“When it’s raining, avoid water pooling in travel lanes. If your vehicle appears to be hydroplaning, ease your foot off the gas pedal until you regain traction rather than braking suddenly, which can cause a vehicle to skid. Be aware that the tires of larger vehicles can create spray that reduces visibility for those following too closely,” officials stated.

When driving in town, avoid flooded washes, even when flowing waters may not seem deep.

“On local roads, don’t risk crossing a flooded wash, even if it doesn’t look deep. Just a few inches of running water can carry away a vehicle, even a heavy pickup truck or SUV,” they stated.

The agency offers a free phone application, which provides alerts of freeway closures and other traffic events, as well as critical safety information. Visit ADOTAlerts.com to download the app.

Officials also provide up-to-date travel advisories at az511.gov (or by dialing 511) and on the ADOT Twitter feed: @ArizonaDOT.

Learn more at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.