Arizona winter storm updates: Hail could hit parts of Phoenix area
Arizona's week of wet and wintry weather has brought moisture, closed roads and caused travel delays, but it may be slowing down.
While Saturday started with a few light showers and heavy clouds in metro Phoenix, it was expected to clear up and be sunny for the remainder of the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
Arizona was expected to see scattered snow showers throughout Saturday and into the evening, with snow levels as low as 3,500 feet. Most of the snow would fall in portions of Gila County, the White Mountains and the Chuska Mountains, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.
Follow our reporting for the latest updates on the effects of the rain, snow and weather forecast news.
Small hail may hit these parts of the Valley on Saturday night
Small hail could strike the eastern portions of the Valley on Saturday night as heavy rain rolled through, the National Weather Service Phoenix tweeted at about 7 p.m.
The areas around Apache Junction, Queen Creek and Gold Canyon could potentially experience pea-sized hail and 30-mph winds until 7:30 p.m., the weather service said. The service also tweeted about 6:30 p.m. that similar conditions could strike the area around Rio Verde until 6:45 p.m.
The weather service warned that some thunder could accompany the heavy showers. It cautioned residents to seek shelter from the stormy conditions under a sturdy structure.
— Madeline Nguyen
Flagstaff shelter open to help those in need in the cold
Flagstaff Shelter Services reminded residents that its emergency shelter was open to help those in need during the cold weather.
The shelter, which is open 24/7 and each day, is located at 4185 E. Huntington Drive in Flagstaff and helps anyone in need regardless of faith, sobriety, or mental health, according to a Facebook post from the group.
If residents see someone in need of assistance, they are urged to call the shelter at 928-225-2533, extension 1, or call the police nonemergency number at 928-774-1414.
— Shelby Slade
Where to play in the snow in Flagstaff
Once the storm clears, you may be looking to spend some time in the snow and want to enjoy some cold weather up north. If so, you will need to know where you can play in the snow.
For up-to-date snow play information, visitors can call the Snowplay Hotline at 1-844-256-SNOW for current conditions.
Before heading up north, visitors should prepare to enjoy the cold weather safely and respectfully by cleaning up their trash and not leaving behind their sleds. Flagstaff participates in "leave no trace," which means everything visitors bring has to come back home with them.
Here is a list of places you can go to enjoy northern Arizona snow.
— Abigail Celaya
How wet weather continues to impact WM Phoenix Open
The most impactful player at this year's WM Phoenix Open has turned out to be the weather. Rain and frost delays during the tournament have forced everyone to plan around the unpredictability.
Heavy rain impacted Thursday's first round with just 15 golfers finishing their rounds before play was suspended at 12:33 p.m. A frost delay, not uncommon for the Phoenix Open, pushed Friday’s resumption of the first round back to 9:13 a.m.
“This is probably the softest or the wettest this golf course has been over the last 10-15 years," PGA Tour meteorologist Kyle Koval said. "We can’t take any more rain and there’s some more rain in the forecast here, so it could have some impacts with competition as we go into Saturday.”
The last time the Phoenix Open faced this much wet weather was in 2015, but it wasn't as consistent as this year's precipitation. With more chances for rain and a potential for a threat of lightning, and more than five hours lost in the first two days, it's looking very unlikely for a traditional Sunday finish.
— Jenna Ortega
How much rain fell in metro Phoenix?
Metro Phoenix had received between 0.1 and nearly 0.25 inch of rain after small showers on Friday night and into Saturday morning, the Flood Control District of Maricopa County reported.
The most rain fell in Mesa, Gilbert and the far East Valley, with the West Valley and northern stretches of metro Phoenix receiving the least moisture from the Saturday showers.
Most areas in metro Phoenix saw between about one-half inch of rain in the past week but some areas received as much as 1.25 inches, officials said Saturday.
— Shelby Slade
Snowfall reports from other parts of Arizona
While Flagstaff and Coconino County reported up to 36 inches of snow in the past three days, other parts of Arizona saw from 3 to 30 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.
On Saturday, Sunrise Park reported that it had received 4 feet of snow over the week, with 4 more inches falling in the past 24 hours, according to the ski resort's website. Other parts of Apache County were reporting 2 to 7 inches of snow as of Friday, the weather service said.
Show Low reported between 4.5 and 8 inches of snow on Friday morning. Heber-Overgaard saw 11 inches, the weather service said.
In Gila County, Washington Park reported 29 inches of snow. Strawberry received 24 inches, Pine received 14 inches and Payson received 3 inches as of Friday afternoon, the weather service said.
Prescott received between 10 and 20 inches of snow as of Friday morning, according to the weather service. Prescott Valley reported 6 to 8.5 inches of snow.
— Shelby Slade
How much snow did Flagstaff get?
Higher elevations of Arizona saw significant snowfall, with areas seeing between 3 and 36 inches of snow depending on the area, according to the weather service in Flagstaff.
The weather service said that since Wednesday Flagstaff received 12-36 inches of snow as of Friday afternoon. Munds Park received 28.6 inches; Williams reported 30 inches.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon reported 21.5 inches of snow Friday; the South Rim received 10.7 inches, the weather service said.
Arizona Snowbowl reported 3 more inches of snow within the past 24 hours and 58 inches in the past four days, the ski resort reported Saturday morning, according to the ski resort's website.
— Shelby Slade
These portions of Arizona will see more snow on Saturday
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff said snow was expected for southern Coconino County, northern Gila County, southern Navajo County and southern/central Apache County on Saturday.
Areas between 3,500-5,000 feet in elevation could see up to 2 inches, and elevations above 5,000 feet could see up to 4 inches of snow, the weather service said. The most snow was expected to fall in northern Gila County, the White Mountains and the Chuska Mountains.
— Shelby Slade
Metro Phoenix to see sunny days this weekend
The rain and gray skies enveloping the Phoenix area will be fading away as sunlight makes a comeback this weekend.
"We're looking at pretty cloudy skies to start off the day," National Weather Service Phoenix meteorologist Matt Salerno said, noting the overcast will last up to the evening. "Once it clears out, it will be done for the rest of the weekend."
From midnight Saturday until 8 a.m., there were 0.16 inches of rain at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, according to Salerno. He noted the high temperature Saturday was expected to be 58 degrees.
Though the sun will come out tomorrow, Salerno said Valley residents will see a foggy Sunday morning. The following few days in the week will be sunny, he added.
"We'll see a gradual warming trend as we head through next week," Salerno said, noting the temperatures will climb into the 60s at the start of the week.
— Jose R. Gonzalez
More rain expected for Phoenix area on Saturday
The National Weather Service in Phoenix predicted less than an inch of rain to fall across south-central Arizona from Friday night into Saturday morning.
Snow was expected across the high terrain of Arizona, with snow levels dropping to 4,000 feet. Accumulations of 1 to 4 inches were anticipated above 5,000 feet.
Temperatures over the weekend will be cooler than usual, with highs ranging from the mid-50s to lower-60s across the lower deserts. Low temperatures will mainly fall into the mid-30s to lower-40s across the same areas.
— Arlyssa D. Becenti
What was the snowiest storm in Arizona history?
This is a story about snow. A lot of it. The most snow that has ever fallen in Arizona at once.
Enough snow to paralyze Flagstaff, to bury the White Mountains in almost 9 feet of it.
Enough snow to cut off thousands of Navajos from food for themselves or their livestock.
This is what happens when the cheery strains of "White Christmas" turn icily threatening.
This is the story of an extreme weather record.
This is what happened when a December snowstorm turned extreme.
— Shaun McKinnon
Why rain gauges in metro Phoenix report such different rainfall totals
If you have been keeping track of the rainfall amounts the past few days, you may have noticed some big differences from one place to another. The South Mountain official recording station has only received 0.39 inch of rain in the past week, while Camp Creek further north got 3.78 inches.
Sitting in the middle, a gauge in downtown Phoenix measured 0.79 inch in the same week.
Why is that so? How can so many totals be accurate for the same storm?
— Caralin Nunes
Prescott Forest visitors advised to avoid road travel
Forestry officials advised motorists Friday to avoid travel on roads in the Prescott National Forest due to the recent rain and snow. The goal was to prevent damage to the roads and reduce the need for emergency services assistance.
Some areas of the forest received up to 2 feet of snow from the recent storm and more was forecast in the coming week, officials said in a national forest news release. Travel on rural forest roads can be “treacherous” and possibly leave motorists stranded, according to the release.
“Turnaround areas may be unavailable or hazardous due to ice, deep snow, and saturated soil conditions,” the release stated. Additionally, causing damage to forest resources can result in a Class B misdemeanor with a possible $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail.
— Michelle Cruz
What was Arizona’s wettest day on record?
The storm that dropped the most rain ever recorded in Arizona also spawned its worst natural disaster, framed in the splintered forests near the Mogollon Rim. The remnants of a tropical storm colliding with an unusually early cold front from the north drenched parts of the state with record amounts of rainfall, more ― 11.4 inches ― than had been recorded in 24 hours at one site ever before, or anytime since.
Twenty-three people died in the floods that followed as the rain filled up creeks and washes and swept through the holiday campouts and getaways in the heart of the high country.
Read the full story of the deadly day.
― Shaun McKinnon
What are the skiing conditions at Sunrise Park Resort in White Mountains?
Sunrise Park Resort in the White Mountains saw new snowfall amount to under a foot on Friday as conditions remained calm and skier-friendly.
Four inches of snow fell onto the resort’s 51 trails that were open as of Friday morning, alongside 6 out of 8 of the ski lifts.
The total base depth reached 52 inches of snow as the popular ski resort said it expected "a busy weekend considering our snow conditions."
— Rey Covarrubias Jr.
Is this the rainiest start to a new year in Arizona?
What could be the last in a series of wet winter storm systems is expected to move through Arizona late Friday and Saturday, with chances for more rain across metro Phoenix and more snow in high country locations.
But while the week of storms shattered rainfall records across Los Angeles and other areas of California, Phoenix is still far from the wettest start to a new year.
Since Jan. 1, the National Weather Service has measured 1.88 inches of rain in the official weather gauge at Sky Harbor International Airport. More than 1 inch of that has fallen since Feb. 1. The average rainfall for February is 0.87 of an inch, which already means the month will end above normal.
But that's just just, well, a drop in the bucket compared with other years.
— Caralin Nunes
Arizona Snow Bowl reporting significant snowfall
Arizona Snow Bowl received another 18 inches of snow in the past 24 hours, according to the ski resort's website.
The ski area had received 55 inches of snow in the past three days, creating a base depth of 71 inches. All lifts and trails were open, according to the site.
Chains and four-wheel drive were required to make the trek to the slopes, but a shuttle was Fort Valley Lodge at the base of Snowbowl Road.
— Shelby Slade
Arizona roads reopening
All but one Arizona highway had reopened Friday morning after winter weather closed eight highways across the state.
The eastern portion of the State Route 64 which lead to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, was the only highway in Arizona closed due to winter weather as of Friday morning.
― Rey Covarrubias Jr.
Some Arizona schools still closed on Friday
Across Arizona, some schools have been closed or delayed since Tuesday as a winter storm wallops higher elevations with snow.
These schools were closed or delayed again on Friday:
Basis Flagstaff: Closed Friday.
Blue Ridge Unified School District: Closed Friday; classes will resume on Monday.
Coconino Community College: Opening at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy: School was closed, but classes would continue remotely.
Flagstaff Unified School District: Closed Friday.
Humboldt Unified School District: Closed Friday.
Northern Arizona University: Campus opening at 10 a.m. All classes before 10 a.m. were canceled.
Northland Pioneer College: All campuses would open late at 9:30 a.m.
Prescott Unified School District: Closed Friday.
— Shelby Slade
Portions of metro Phoenix under fog advisory
The National Weather Service in Phoenix reported that a dense fog advisory was issued for portions of the Phoenix area on Friday morning.
The advisory was set to expire at 10 a.m. and was affecting an area southwest of Phoenix that stretched from Buckeye to Casa Grande.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, if the fog is too dense and reduces visibility, those on the road should delay their travel.
— Shelby Slade
Southeastern Arizona seeing dense fog
Portions of southeastern Arizona were under a dense fog advisory on Friday morning, officials said.
The National Weather Service in Tucson said the advisory was scheduled to last until 10 a.m. Friday and affected Tucson, Willcox, Benson, Sierra Vista and Nogales.
Drivers were encouraged to take caution while on the roads in these areas.
— Shelby Slade
These Arizona interstates and highways remain closed
These Arizona roads were closed on Friday morning as winter weather continued, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Interstate 40 eastbound at US 93 (milepost 72)
Interstate 40 eastbound at Ash Fork (milepost 146)
Interstate 40 westbound in Williams (milepost 161)
Interstate 40 westbound in Winslow (milepost 252)
Interstate 40 westbound in Holbrook (milepost 285)
US 191 in both directions (mileposts 225-252)
State Route 87 southbound in Winslow (milepost 338)
State Route 64 east of the Grand Canyon National Park (mileposts 242-276)
ADOT encouraged those in affected areas to avoid driving wherever possible. While snow plow drivers were working around the clock, those who needed to drive should plan for extended travel times.
Travelers seeking to drive through Arizona should take southern routes, including I-10 and I-8, the Department added.
— Shelby Slade
Interstate 17 northbound reopens
Interstate 17 northbound has reopened at State Route 179 (milepost 299) as of 5:31 p.m., according to ADOT. The closure due to Thursday's snowfall lasted almost four hours.
— Kira Caspers
WM Phoenix Open resumes after 'unplayable conditions'
Round one of the Waste Management Phoenix Open resumed Thursday at 4:02 p.m.
The first round was suspended due to "unplayable conditions" at 12:32 p.m. and resumed after a three-hour-and-a-half-hour delay, according to the PGA Tour Communications account on X, formerly known as Twitter.
When will it stop raining in Phoenix this week? Here's what to expect
Phoenix residents may see rain and winds stop around late afternoon Thursday, but the stormy weather was expected to return on Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
The worst of the rain on Thursday hit Phoenix at about 1 p.m., but the storm should gradually let up throughout the afternoon, said Alex Young, a lead meteorologist with the weather service. Young projected that the rainy and windy conditions would clear up at about 3-4 p.m., and the rest of the day on Thursday would be clear of stormy weather.
Out of everywhere in the Valley, central Phoenix was hit the hardest, Young added.
“Central Phoenix is getting slammed right now,” he said. “Pretty much everywhere else looks a bit windy and rainy a little bit, but it’s not as bad as what central Phoenix is getting — in excess of 40 mph gusts.”
Stormy conditions were expected to pick up again Friday through Saturday, Young predicted. He said that the stormy weather on Friday would be similar to Thursday’s, while Saturday would see a higher chance of rain.
The weather comes after a stormy couple of days in the Valley, which have led to flight delays at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a flood watch warning for the Valley and hail over the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale.
— Madeline Nguyen
Interstate 17 closed due to winter weather
According to ADOT, the following highways were closed due to Thursday's winter weather as of 1:45 p.m.:
Interstate 17 northbound at State Route 179 (milepost 299).
I-40 eastbound at U.S. 93 (milepost 72).
I-40 eastbound at Ash Fork (milepost 146).
I-40 westbound in Williams (milepost 161).
I-40 westbound in Winslow (milepost 252).
State Route 87 southbound in Winslow (milepost 338).
SR 89A in both directions between Flagstaff and Sedona (mileposts 375 to 398).
SR 260 in both directions between Camp Verde and Pine (mileposts 219 to 252).
SR 64 east of the Grand Canyon National Park (mileposts 240-263).
— Brenna Gauchat
FAA issues ground stop for Sky Harbor Airport
The FAA issued a ground stop for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Thursday afternoon due to the weather.
The FAA alert cited "low ceilings" as the cause of the alert, which comes after a ground stop issued Thursday morning was turned into a ground delay.
— Shelby Slade
More Arizona highways closed due to winter weather
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the following highways were closed due to Thursday's winter weather as of 1 p.m.:
Interstate 40 eastbound at U.S. 93 (milepost 72)
I-40 eastbound at Ash Fork (milepost 146)
I-40 westbound in Williams (milepost 161)
I-40 westbound in Winslow (milepost 252)
State Route 87 southbound in Winslow (milepost 338)
State Route 64 east of the Grand Canyon National Park (mileposts 240-263)
— Brenna Gauchat
Help ADOT name its snowplows: How to vote
The Arizona Department of Transportation has named the top 10 finalists in its Name-A-Snowplow Contest.
Out of the 3,400 submissions ADOT received, these 10 creative names rose to the top:
Blizzard Buster
Cinder Claus
Fast and Flurryous
Flake 48
Mogollon Monster
Plower Express
Scoopacabra
Scooperstition
Snowbi-Wan Kenobi
Squall-E
Cast your votes through Feb. 15 and the three names that receive the most votes will be placed on ADOT's snowplows. Votes can be submitted at http://azdot.gov/nameaplow.
— Brenna Gauchat
Rain moving into metro Phoenix from the west
Radar showed a band of storms moving into metro Phoenix from the west at about 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Some portions of metro Phoenix could see showers, thunderstorms and wind.
Some western areas of metro Phoenix, such as Tonopah, Wittman and Buckeye, were reporting small amounts of rain, according to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County.
— Shelby Slade
What to know about ground delays at Sky Harbor Airport
A ground delay was issued for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Thursday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration's National Airspace System.
The FAA issued a ground stop around 8:45 a.m. because of weather conditions that included low clouds. By 9 a.m. that changed to a ground delay, with departures delayed by about 20 minutes on average because of inclement weather.
Here's what to know about the delays.
— Michael Salerno
NAU cancels classes Thursday: What to know
Northern Arizona University said all classes after 10 a.m. on Thursday would be canceled and the campus would close at that time.
NAU was one of about a dozen school districts and community colleges in Arizona that canceled classes on Thursday due to the weather.
— Shelby Slade
I-40 closed again due to weather
Interstate 40 eastbound was closed at Ash Fork on Thursday morning due to severe winter conditions, the Arizona Department of Transportation said.
The closure was at milepost 146, ADOT said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, at 9:30 a.m.
— Shelby Slade
FAA issues ground delay for Sky Harbor
The FAA issued a ground delay for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport due to weather and low ceilings on Thursday morning.
The FAA advisory indicated the weather forecast had changed and was not expected to clear anytime soon.
— Shelby Slade
Winter weather continues in Arizona: What to expect
More rain and snow could hit Arizona on Thursday as another system speeds across the state, but the effects of earlier storms could linger into next week as water flows into usually dry creeks and rivers.
The National Weather Service has posted a flood warning for the Tonto Creek and Tonto Basin areas northeast of Phoenix as water levels in the creek surged with runoff from rain and upstream snowmelt. Officials cautioned people not to cross flooded areas, especially where there is no bridge.
A winter storm warning was extended through Thursday in the high country around Flagstaff, the weather service said, as chances for additional snow remained. The weather service said the snow could hamper travel in many areas.
— Caralin Nunes
These Arizona schools will be closed Thursday due to weather
After Wednesday's winter weather across Arizona and with more expected, these schools will be closed or delayed on Thursday:
Ash Fork Joint Unified School District: Closed on Thursday.
Basis Flagstaff: Closed on Thursday.
Blue Ridge Unified School District: Closed on Thursday.
Coconino Community College in Flagstaff: Delayed start on Thursday. Campus will be closed until 10 a.m.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Closed on Thursday.
Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy: Closed on Thursday.
Flagstaff Community Christian School: Closed on Thursday.
Flagstaff Unified Schools: Closed on Thursday.
Mayer Unified Schools: Delayed start on Thursday.
Peach Springs Unified School District: Closed on Thursday.
Prescott Unified Schools: Closed on Thursday.
Show Low Unified Schools: Delayed start on Thursday.
Valentine Elementary School District: Closed on Thursday.
Whiteriver Unified School District: Delayed start on Thursday.
Williams Unified School District: Closed on Thursday.
— Shelby Slade
Flagstaff Unified schools to be closed again Thursday
Flagstaff Unified schools will be closed for a second day on Thursday after a winter storm rolled into Arizona, bringing strong wind, snow and rain.
"Due to current winter weather conditions and forecasts, all Flagstaff Unified School District schools will be closed Feb. 8, including before and after school activities and food service," according to a statement from the district.
Decisions to delay or cancel school are based on several factors, including weather forecasts, road conditions, closures, and access to parking areas and sites, the district said.
Transportation, impact on instruction and scheduled activities, and timelines for mobilizing communication also are considered.
— Coleby Phillips
Areas of I-40 westbound reopen; additional highways closed
Authorities reopened westbound Interstate 40 at Winslow (milepost 252) and Holbrook (milepost 289) after they were closed Wednesday morning due to winter weather conditions.
The following highways were closed as of 1:39 p.m., according to a post by the Arizona Department of Transportation on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Interstate 40 eastbound at U.S. 93 (milepost 72).
Interstate 40 eastbound at Ash Fork (milepost 46).
State Route 87 southbound at Winslow (milepost 338).
State Route 64 east of the Grand Canyon National Park (mileposts 240-263).
— Abigail Beck
Chances of showers continue for metro Phoenix
A meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Phoenix office said there was a 30% to 40% chance of isolated showers throughout Wednesday, with the East Valley having a greater chance of seeing rainfall compared with the rest of the metro area.
The agency urged motorists to drive more slowly and exercise increased caution when driving on wet roads.
— Perry Vandell
Phoenix Open Pro-Am suspended due to weather
With a steady rain coming down over TPC Scottsdale, Wednesday's Pro-Am was suspended at 11:53 a.m. The 26 groups participating in the pro-am began play at 8:30, with the final group going off at 10:30, meaning that all amateurs were still on the course when play was suspended. Some of the pros — who only play nine holes during the Pro-Am — had already finished their rounds.
In contrast to the pristine weather that typically accompanies the Phoenix Open, this week was projected to be wet throughout, with rain in the forecast for Thursday and Saturday. That could pose further issues for the PGA Tour, which was forced to end last week's Pebble Beach Pro-Am after 54 holes.
— Theo Mackie
I-40 westbound reopens after overnight closure
The westbound I-40 at milepost 160 reopened Wednesday afternoon after heavy snow blanked the interstate.
The following highways were still closed as of 11:30 a.m.:
Interstate 40 eastbound at US 93 (milepost 72)
Interstate 40 eastbound at Ash Fork (milepost 146)
Interstate 40 westbound at Winslow (milepost 252)
Interstate 40 westbound at Holbrook (milepost 289)
State Route 87 southbound at Winslow (milepost 338)
State Route 64 east of the Grand Canyon National Park (mileposts 240-263)
― Rey Covarrubias Jr.
Some Arizona roads reopening after overnight closures
Eastbound State Route 260 and northbound SR 89A reopened after being closed Wednesday morning due to winter weather.
These highways and interstates remained closed as of 9:30 a.m., according to the Arizona Department of Transportation:
Eastbound Interstate 40 at US 93 (milepost 72).
Eastbound I-40 at Ash Fork (milepost 146).
Westbound I-40 at Williams (milepost 160).
Westbound I-40 at Winslow (milepost 252).
Westbound I-40 at Holbrook (milepost 289).
Southbound State Route 87 at Winslow (milepost 338).
SR 64 east of Grand Canyon National Park (mileposts 240-263).
― Shelby Slade
How much snow did Flagstaff, northern Arizona get?
Northern Arizona saw significant snowfall with most areas seeing between 9 and 16 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.
Flagstaff and Bellmont received 16.5 inches of snow since Tuesday afternoon, the weather service said. Arizona Snowbowl saw 26 inches of new snow.
Other areas of northern Arizona saw significantly less snow. Prescott received 9.5 inches of snow, while Pinetop-Lakeside and Prescott Valley only received about 3 inches. Washington Park in Gila County received 5 inches.
― Shelby Slade
Rainfall totals across metro Phoenix
Most areas in metro Phoenix saw between 0.25-0.75 inch of rain in the past 24 hours, officials said Wednesday.
While downtown Phoenix only saw 0.28 inch of rain, portions of Mesa, Tempe, north Phoenix and Litchfield Park saw nearly 0.5 inch, according to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County. Apache Junction and Gold Canyon received between 0.5-0.63 inch of rain.
Higher terrain areas saw more rainfall. The Superstition Mountains received more than 1 inch of rain as did areas north of Cave Creek and Carefree, according to the Flood Control District of Maricopa County.
The majority of the storm passed through metro Phoenix on Tuesday, but some areas could see more showers on Wednesday.
― Shelby Slade
These Arizona schools closed, delayed due to snow
Schools across northern Arizona would be closed or delayed on Wednesday due to the winter weather conditions.
Ash Fork Joint Unified School District: School starting two hours late with buses also delayed on Wednesday. No breakfast would be served.
BASIS Flagstaff: School closed Wednesday.
Blue Ridge Unified School District: School closed Wednesday.
Chino Valley Unified School District: School starting two hours late on Wednesday.
Coconino Community College: Flagstaff campuses were closed and in-person classes were canceled Wednesday. Online courses were unaffected.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Classes delayed two hours on Wednesday.
Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy: School closed Wednesday.
Flagstaff Community Christian School: School closed Wednesday.
Flagstaff Unified Schools: Schools closed Wednesday.
Montessori of Flagstaff: Schools closed Wednesday.
Northern Arizona University: NAU will have a two-hour delayed start on Wednesday. Classes beginning before 10 a.m. were canceled and university officers were closed.
Prescott Unified Schools: Schools starting two hours late on Wednesday.
Whiteriver Unified School District: School starting two hours late with buses also delayed on Wednesday. No breakfast would be served. Morning preschool was canceled; ABC Daycare would follow normal schedules.
Williams Unified School District: Schools closed Wednesday.
Yavapai College: Campus was on a two-hour delayed start and was scheduled to open at 10 a.m.
― Shelby Slade
Major interstates, highways closed due to weather
After significant snowfall in northern Arizona, many major roads were closed as of Wednesday morning.
The Arizona Department of Transportation said the following roads were closed in a post on X, formerly Twitter, at 5 a.m.:
Eastbound Interstate 40 at US 93 (milepost 72).
Eastbound I-40 at Ash Fork (milepost 146).
Westbound I-40 at Williams (milepost 160).
Westbound I-40 at Winslow (milepost 252).
Westbound I-40 at Holbrook (milepost 289).
Southbound State Route 87 at Winslow (milepost 338).
SR 64 east of Grand Canyon National Park (mileposts 240-263).
Eastbound SR 260 near Camp Verde (milepost 228-251).
Northbound SR 89A (milepost 335).
― Shelby Slade
Wednesday predicted to be a wet one for Arizona
Fueled by the atmospheric river coming from California, Wednesday was forecast to have scattered showers in Arizona and heavy snow in the north.
Winter weather continues to impact travel throughout northern Arizona late Tuesday evening. Road closures were reported for Desert View Drive (State Route 64) between Grand Canyon Village and the park's east entrance due to the major winter storm. Hermit Road, west of the village, has also been closed.
Flood watches for south-central Arizona were in effect through Wednesday morning.
Rainy conditions in the Valley were expected for most of the week. While the Waste Management Phoenix Open was set to begin on Thursday, it was unclear how the rain would affect the highly anticipated golf tournament.
― Marcus Reichley
Coconino County announces road closures
County public works officials closed a 7-mile stretch of Lake Mary Road, also known as Forest Highway-3, due to an approaching winter storm, Coconino County officials announced on social media Tuesday.
The closure began at 1 p.m. Tuesday due to “high winds and drifting snow from large snowstorms” forecast to hit the area, the announcement stated.
The closure was between the north entrance of Mormon Lake, near the scenic overlook, and the south entrance of Mormon Lake, which is about 35 miles southeast of Flagstaff.
A closure also occurred on Perkinsville Road (FH-73) at White Horse Road, nearly 8 miles south of Williams. Stoneman Lake Road also will be closed between Interstate 17 and Lake Mary Road.
Visibility becomes limited during drifting, and conditions become harder for county snowplows to keep the roadway clear of snow. The closures, which must be done in advance of storms, also frees up county public works' resources to keep other roads open and passable, the county said.
― Michelle Cruz
Coconino County Sheriff's Office warns of hazardous conditions
The Coconino County Sheriff's Office urged caution Tuesday for residents in the area following the issuance of a winter storm warning by the National Weather Service.
"Storm totals above 10,000 feet on the San Francisco Peaks could reach nearly 4 feet over the next 4 days," the agency said. "If maximum totals accumulate, dangerous avalanche conditions could result near and above tree line. As new snow loads the current snowpack, weak layers at the bottom and middle, could release, resulting in large to very large avalanches."
It added that the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center recommends skiers and snowboarders avoid slopes near or above the treeline until the danger subsides.
The Sheriff's Office also recommended travelers prepare for the unexpected as the winter storms continue to batter the region.
"It is generally best to wait out the closure in your vehicle or in town rather than attempt an unknown alternate route. Travelers should be prepared with extra supplies in their vehicles with an expectation of longer travel times and occasional road closures."
― Perry Vandell
How to safely drive in the rain as storms hit metro Phoenix
It may not be the monsoon, but rainfall and stormy weather were expected this week across Arizona, according to the National Weather Service.
Many people don't think about it until the time comes, but knowing what to do if caught out on the road during heavy rainfall is crucial.
The Arizona Department of Transportation offered some tips to remember when navigating rainy roadways. Here are six tips for driving during one of these storms.
― Abigail Beck
Sprinkles make their way into metro Phoenix
Light rain made its way through metro Phoenix on Tuesday afternoon. Most rain was expected to fall after 3 p.m. with more light to moderate rainfall in the evening, according to officials.
The flood watch for south-central Arizona remained in effect through Wednesday morning. The expected impacts of the rain were anticipated to be minor to moderate, including longer commute times and minor roadway flooding.
During this time, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office recommends avoiding several areas, including Boxcar, Needlerock, Camp Creek, Four Peaks, Lower Sycamore and the Tonto National Forest areas.
Wind conditions were forecast to intensify in southwest Arizona throughout the evening following thunderstorms in Yuma. These storms may bring winds reaching up to 40 mph. As a result, difficult driving conditions were expected for high-profile vehicles on Interstate Highways 8 and 10, particularly as the evening progressed.
Driving this week? Here are six tips for driving safely in Arizona rain
— Kira Caspers
How weather affects airplanes and delays flights
Weather accounts for about 70% of delays in the National Airspace System, according to Federal Aviation Administration statistics, costing passengers and airlines billions of dollars a year.
Upward of 2,000 flights were canceled on a recent Monday after a bitter winter storm hit most of the United States, according to tracking site FlightAware. But aircraft materials are made to withstand extreme temperatures, so why are so many flights delayed and canceled due to winter weather?
Ernie Satterhwait, a multi-engine commercial pilot and flight instructor, said the issue, aside from icing conditions and barometric pressure, is not what occurs in the air, but what happens on the ground.
“Jet engines like cold air, they are most efficient in high altitude, where it's colder,” Satterhwait said. “The higher density of the air gives the plane better lift with less power, meaning better performance in colder weather.”
— Caralin Nunes
Tips for driving in the snow everyone should know
As snow was expected to hit parts of Arizona, drivers needed to be prepared for snowy and icy roads.
Commuters in areas like Flagstaff, the snowiest city in Arizona, Prescott and other towns in higher elevations will be more accustomed to these driving conditions. But even the most experienced drivers must be prepared when facing icy roads and follow some key guidelines to stay safe.
Here's what you need to know about driving on snowy roads this season.
— Raphael Romero Ruiz
Northern Arizona school district releasing students early due to snow
Williams Unified School District in northern Arizona announced it would be releasing students early on Tuesday due to the weather.
The school district said in a post on Facebook that it would release students on its half-day schedule; afternoon kindergarten was canceled. Afterschool activities were also canceled.
Officials told students and families to watch for further updates about school on Wednesday and Thursday.
— Shelby Slade
Snow falling in Flagstaff with more expected Tuesday afternoon
The Flagstaff area had received about an inch of new snow, the National Weather Service said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday.
The snow level was at 7,000 feet and was expected to fall as the day continued, the post said.
People in northern Arizona should be prepared for "rapidly deteriorating conditions" on Tuesday afternoon and evening.
— Shelby Slade
Mesa offers residents free sandbags ahead of storm
Mesa residents could pick up free sandbags in preparation for the storms this week.
Sand and empty bags would be available at the following locations:
Fire Station 202, 830 S. Stapley Drive.
Fire Station 205, 730 S. Greenfield Road.
Fire Station 209, 7035 E. Southern Ave.
Fire Station 212, 2430 E. Ellsworth Road.
Prefilled sandbags would be available at the following locations:
Transportation Building, 300 E. Sixth St. (west side of building).
East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur St. (front parking lot).
— Shelby Slade
Storm system won’t hit Arizona as hard as it did California. Here’s why
A series of severe winter storms propelled by a merging of powerful atmospheric rivers and fueled by El Niño have rocked Southern California, setting daily records for rainfall across the lower region of the state.
Downtown Los Angeles set a record of 4.10 inches Sunday, breaking the previous 1927 daily record of 2.55 inches. Long Beach airport set a record of 1.50 inches, and Santa Barbara airport received 2.39 inches of rain, breaking the previous record of half an inch in 1990.
But as the storm moves inland, Arizonans can expect weaker systems and less rain. The Phoenix area is on track to receive anywhere from half an inch to an inch, far less than what's fallen in Southern California, though still close to a month's worth in one hit.
Here’s what to expect as the storm system hits Arizona.
— Caralin Nunes
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona weather: Rainy, snowy, sunny weekend weather
