Storm moving across Arizona brings widespread rain to Phoenix area; holiday travel delays likely
A storm brought widespread rain to the Valley on Friday, just a day after Phoenix broke a daily heat record.
Phoenix and lower desert areas were under a flood watch by the National Weather Service from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday.
As of 7 a.m. Friday, the average rainfall total throughout the lower deserts was 0.1 inch, with some places in Phoenix seeing up to 0.8 inch of rain. Rainfall totals were up to 0.2 inch in the Avondale and Lake Pleasant areas, while those near Buckeye Hills saw 0.31 inch of rain.
There was a 100% chance of rain forecast for Phoenix throughout Friday with a high temperature of 62 degrees. The rain was not expected to let up on Saturday as chances of rain remained high at 90% with a high temperature of 61 degrees.
"Moderate to heavy rainfall develops across the entire region by early Friday and lasts into the evening, before winding down early Saturday," the National Weather Service rainfall overview read.
Lower desert areas were forecast to see 1-1.5 inches of rain over the weekend while areas in higher terrain may see up to 2 inches of rain.
Heading into Christmas Eve and Christmas, officials said, Phoenix residents may see sunny skies with highs in the mid-60s.
Travelers in Phoenix may be impacted
The weather service said those in Phoenix can expect holiday ground and air travel to be impacted by the storm.
Those in Phoenix can expect to be moderately impacted by flooding between noon on Friday and midnight on Saturday, according to the weather service. It reminded residents to be aware of longer than normal commutes, slick roads and rising stream levels (especially near Tonto Creek).
The weather service recommended those driving readjust their travel plans if possible and that those still on the roadways look out for road closures. It wanted to remind the public never to drive around barriers.
But it's not just Phoenix that can expect travel delays. The weather service said there could be long delays for flights across the Western United States.
Flagstaff to see snow heading into holiday weekend
Though the mountain town may see rain earlier on Friday, elevations around 6,500 feet will begin to see snowfall late Friday, according to the weather service.
The weather service said the heaviest snow accumulation would be on Friday and that people should bring their pets indoors, use caution when walking on untreated surfaces, slow down on the roads and plan ahead.
High temperatures Friday were expected to be in the high 30s with low temperatures in the mid-teens. High temperatures would stay in the 30s on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with low temperatures in the low teens.
Officials said those in the area can expect moderate driving impacts, low visibility and slick roads on Friday and Saturday. There will be minor travel impacts on Christmas Eve and by Christmas Day the roads are expected to have no winter weather impacts.
The weather service recommended those up north winterize their vehicle, check road conditions at az511.com and keep up with the weather forecast.
Tucson forecast to see rain through Christmas Eve
Though Tucson did not break a heat record on Thursday, it experienced sunny and warm skies. Tucson will see rain through Christmas Eve, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather service said Friday was forecast to have a 100% chance of rain throughout the day, a high of 62 degrees and a low temperature of 46. Saturday was forecast to have a 60% chance of rain, a high temperature of 58 and a low temperature of 45 degrees.
Rain chances vanish on Christmas Eve, with a high temperature of 59 and a low of 37 degrees, according to the weather service.
Tucson was forecast to get 0.75 to 1.75 inches of rain throughout the weekend, while places in higher elevations, such as Mount Lemmon, may receive 6 to 12 inches of snow.
A winter weather advisory was from 8 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday for areas such as Mount Lemmon that are above 8,000 feet.
Winterizing your vehicle
The Arizona Department of Transportation released what it recommended as a "must-have" winter vehicle supply kit, which includes:
Cellphone and charger
Water
Winter clothing/blankets
Prescribed medication
First-aid kit
Flashlight with extra batteries
Ice scraper
A small bag of sand or cat litter for wheel traction
Compact shovel for snow removal
Travel tool kit and battery cables
Safety flares
Nonperishable snacks
Road map
Driving in the rain
ADOT provided the following safety tips for driving in the rain:
Inspect windshield wipers and replace them if necessary prior to expected rainfall.
Turn on the headlights.
Reduce speeds.
Avoid sudden braking on wet pavement.
Create a “space cushion” between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Avoid areas where water has pooled in travel lanes.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona storm brings widespread rain, could bring traffic delays
