FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- A 34-mile stretch of Interstate 40 near Winslow that was closed because of high winds now has been reopened.

The closure Monday affected traffic in both directions from the Twin Arrows exit to the edge of Winslow for several hours.

The shutdown came after authorities advised motorists of a storm system and associated cold front that was expected to produce high winds across much of Arizona.

(MORE: Check the Interstate Forecast | Interactive Radar)

The winds were fanning a fire that was burning wood chips near Litchfield Park west of Phoenix.

"Flagstaff and Winslow both saw sustained south and southwest winds in the 40 mph range, with gusts over 50 mph," said Brandon Wright, a meteorologist at The Weather Channel."It's no surprise that I-40 is closed - it's an east-west interstate."

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory, and says parts of northern Arizona could see gusts over 60 mph.

(MORE: Current Wind Conditions)

Strong winds also are expected on Interstate 8 in southern Arizona, and on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande and between Tucson and the New Mexico line.

Below are reports of the closure throughout social media.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.