People traveling by car in northern Arizona today could find the weather uncooperative as the second of a pair of winter storms moves through the area.

The second system, which is moving down from the Pacific Northwest, could bring colder temperatures than a storm that came from Southern California late Wednesday.

“Snow levels are going to come plunging down, all the way to the valley floors, both in Flagstaff and (the plateaus of) Mohave County,” said John Salmen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Las Vegas. “There may be some travel difficulties for people coming through Arizona,” he said.

A winter storm warning issued Wednesday warned of “intense bursts of snow” in the mountains of southern Nevada and in northwest Arizona as the cold front moves through. Snow accumulations of 12-18 inches were predicted above 5,000 feet.

Kingman, Golden Valley, Dolan Springs, Colorado City and Wikieup were among the cities and towns affect by the winter storm warning.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety advised Wednesday that snowy, icy or slippery driving conditions could occur today and tonight in Mohave, Yavapai, Coconino, Navajo, Apache, Gila, Graham, Greenlea, Cochise and northern Maricopa counties.

Travel conditions, particularly for people driving to or from California, should improve significantly by mid-day Friday as the storms continue to move east, Salmen said.

The good news for Arizona travelers this week is that lower gas prices will make the cost of car travel about 40 percent cheaper than it was last year.

AAA Arizona reported Wednesday at the average price of a gallon of gas in the state was $1.60, down from $2.92 a year ago. The average price in Lake Havasu City was about $1.83 a gallon, down from $3.06.

Though local gas prices rose by about a half a cent since last week, statewide they continued to fall slightly, AAA said.

“Looking ahead, further declines at the pump will largely be dependent upon the cost of crude oil,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs director for AAA Arizona. “Should prices firm in the $40 per barrel range, it would indicate that prices are nearing their bottom. However, should prices continue to trade in the $30 range, we could see prices continue to slip lower into the early part of 2009.”

Salmen, of the National Weather service, said the Christmas storms could result in about a quarter inch of rain for Lake Havasu City. As temperatures drop later today and snow levels descend to as low as 1,500 feet, local residents could see flurries in the mountains around the city, he said.

Lake Havasu City can expect dry weather into next week with temperatures warming as the cold front moves out of the area, Salmen said.

You may contact the reporter at dparker@havasunews.com. To read Diana Parker’s blog, go to www.havasunews.com and click on TNH Blog Spot.

AT A GLANCE

Winter driving tips

Slow down on slippery driving surfaces, and keep a greater distance from other vehicles.

Slow down when experiencing strong winds and gusts, especially if driving a high-profile vehicle, such as a motor home.

Avoid panicked braking or steering.

Be patient and expect delays.

Be alert to DPS officers or ADOT employees assisting disabled motorists.

Focus 100-percent of your attention on driving.

Don’t stop by the highway to take photographs or play in the snow.

If your vehicle becomes disabled, attempt to get it completely off the driving lanes, preferably to the right side of the roadway.

Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety