8 inches of snow, high winds expected in northern Arizona beginning Sunday

Ellie Willard, Arizona Republic
·2 min read
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A strong winter storm was expected to hit northern Arizona late Sunday night with impacts potentially lasting through Tuesday. The National Weather Service forecast significant snowfall and heavy wind gusts.

Snowfall was expected to begin Sunday night in the western part of Coconino County and move eastward, hitting its peak on Monday, the National Weather Service reported.

Total snowfall amounts were forecasted to be between 2 and 8 inches for areas above 5,000 feet, which includes Flagstaff, Williams, Prescott, Show Low and the Grand Canyon.

Flagstaff was expected to receive between 6-8 inches of snow, with the heaviest snowfall expected Sunday night into Monday, with winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Highs in Flagstaff were expected to range from the low 30s to the mid-40s, with lows from the low teens to the low 20s.

Further north, near Grand Canyon's North Rim, snow could pile up to 8 inches with 35-40 mph wind gusts on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Risk levels drop to moderate on Tuesday and minor on Wednesday, but Wednesday morning may bring single-digit low temperatures. The weather service warned that people and pets have a high risk of hypothermia and frostbite the entire week.

The risk of severe weather would hit its peak on Monday and roads may become slick and snow-covered for most of the day, the National Weather Service said. Blowing snow through Sunday and Monday may cause low visibility and unsafe travel conditions.

The National Weather Service encourages drivers to check road conditions, change driving habits and to pack a weather vehicle supply kit before driving.

While driving, remember to drive slowly, leave more room than usual, not use cruise control, brake quickly, or take sharp turns while roads are wet, snowy, or icy.

Drivers can check road conditions in the area at AZ511.com and can monitor the weather forecast at weather.gov/FGZ.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Up to 8 inches of snow expected in northern Arizona beginning Sunday