Northern Arizona experiences winter storms and highway closures; rain, hail reported in valley

PHOENIX – Two winter storms in northern Arizona over the next five days are expected to bring 19 to 29 inches of snowfall to the Flagstaff area.

A Friday through Sunday storm is expected to bring moderate snowfall to the area, while the second storm is expected to provide even more snow Monday through Tuesday evening.

The National Weather Service said the Flagstaff area is expected to see between 7 and 11 inches of snow in the first storm and between 12 and 18 inches in the second storm. Payson is expected to receive 15 to 21 inches of snow during the second storm.

At 11 a.m. on January 24, Flagstaff saw 7 to 9 inches of snow. Prescott saw 3 to 5 inches of snow.

Storms affecting traffic

Storms are expected to make driving conditions difficult in the high country. Temperatures in northern Arizona on Wednesday and Thursday are also expected to be extremely cold, raising concerns about the possibility of frozen pipes in parts of the high country.

Drivers are advised to consider delaying trips north unless absolutely necessary, and officials say waiting for the storm is the safest option, as it allows snowplows to clear the highways more quickly.

The influx of northbound travelers caused multiple backups and delays along I-17 and I-40. As of the late afternoon of Jan. 24, ADOT officials say there is a backup of traffic along I-17 from milepost 340 in Flagstaff to milepost 305, near State Route 179. In addition, there is a backup of heavy traffic from Cordes Junction to New Rivière.

ADOT officials say winter conditions are responsible for the heavy traffic. They ask people to wait until the storm is over if possible.

On the night of January 24, ADOT officials announced that National Highway 89A had been closed in both directions between Sedona and Flagstaff due to the winter storm. There is no estimated time to reopen.

Meanwhile, the Flagstaff National Weather Service advises travelers to avoid parking along freeways to play in the snow.

Classes canceled in Flagstaff for Monday

In a statement released in the late afternoon of Jan. 24, officials from the Flagstaff Unified School District said all schools in the district would be closed on Ja Day. 25, including distance learning classes.

“A determination for school and district services for Tuesday, January 26, 2021 will be made Monday evening or early Tuesday morning,” part of the statement read.

Rain, hail seen across the valley

The valley experienced scattered showers on Sunday morning, although some residents – especially those in the southeast – saw more violent thunderstorm cells.

The National Weather Service has reported that hail and graupel, or mild hail, have been reported along US 60 near Superior.

More rain is expected in the Phoenix metropolitan area on Monday and Tuesday, with more widespread storms and high winds.

A winter storm watch is in effect for the higher elevation areas east of Phoenix on Monday and Tuesday.

Looming snowstorm attracts winter sports enthusiasts

The impending snowstorm also means good news for Arizona Snowbowl.

“We’re looking up to three feet until next Thursday, so this is huge news for us,” said Li Cui, Arizona Snowbowl’s marketing director.

So far, the ski area has only received 35 inches, but potential snowfall is expected to double its season total within days.

This coming big storm also attracts many skiers and snowboarders to Flagstaff.

“Our Saturday tickets were sold on Tuesday evening and Sunday tickets were sold on Thursday,” Li said.

Rain / Flood Safety Tips

Tips from the American Red Cross for Heavy Rain Situations and Flood Safety:

• Turn around, don’t drown! If you have to drive and you come across a flooded roadway, turn around and take another path.
• If you get caught on a flooded road and the waters are rapidly rising around you, quickly get out of the car and move to higher ground.
• Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, prepare to evacuate quickly.
• Follow evacuation orders and don’t try to re-enter until the authorities tell you it’s safe.
• If the power lines are down, do not walk in puddles or standing water.
• In the event of a power failure, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternative lighting.

Prepare for a severe thunderstorm

Tips from the American Red Cross for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:

• Prepare an emergency kit.
• Know your community’s evacuation plan.
• Create a domestic disaster plan and put it into practice.
• Buy a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm can cause flooding.
• Choose a safe place in your home for household members to congregate during a thunderstorm. This should be an area where there are no windows, skylights or glass doors that could be shattered by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.