Interstates 17 and 40 in northern Arizona were closed Friday due to multiple vehicle slide-offs and unsafe conditions caused by a winter storm. I-17 was later reopened.

The closures come as blustery winter weather was expected to dump several inches of snow and rain across the region , according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

I-17 northbound between State Route 169 and the I-40 interchange (mileposts 299-340) was reopened late Friday afternoon as well as a closure on southbound I-17 near Munds Park, ADOT said.

Heavy snowfall in northern Arizona was making travel difficult, ADOT said. The department encouraged motorists to delay travel plans until the storm had passed.

Snowplows were working in affected areas, and ADOT advised drivers to leave four car-lengths between the snowplow and their vehicle.

Tips for driving safely in the snow

ADOT urged motorists to check the forecast and road conditions before getting on the road. You can check az511.gov or call 511 for up-to-date conditions, closures and delays.

(This story has been updated to add a video and new information.)