Evening Weather Forecast – 24/01/2021
The winter storm is not over yet, but the rest of the week should offer better conditions.
PHOENIX – Two winter storms in northern Arizona over the next five days are expected to drop a total of 19 to 29 inches of snow in the Flagstaff area.
A storm from Friday to Sunday is expected to bring moderate snowfall in the region, while the second storm is expected to yield even more snow from Monday to Tuesday evening.
The National Weather Service said the Flagstaff area is expected to see seven to 11 inches of snow in the first storm and another 12 to 18 inches of snow during the second storm. Payson is predicted to receive 15 to 21 inches of snow in the second storm.
From 24:00 on 24 January, Flagstaff saw 7 to 9 inches of snow. Prescott saw 3 to 5 inches of snowfall.
Storms affecting traffic
The storms are expected to complicate the driving conditions in the high country. Temperatures in northern Arizona on Wednesday and Thursday are also expected to be bitterly cold, raising concerns about the possibility of frozen pipes in some parts of the high country.
Drivers are advised to postpone the journey north unless absolutely necessary, and according to officials, the safest option is to wait for the storm as it allows snowplows to clear the highways faster.
The influx of travelers heading north caused several backups and delays along I-17 and I-40. During the late afternoon hours of January 24, officials with ADOT said there was a traffic backlash along I-17 from Milestone 340 in Flagstaff to Milestone 305, near State Route 179. In addition, there is a large backbone of much traffic from Cordes Junction to New River.
ADOT officials say the winter weather is responsible for the heavy traffic. They ask people to wait out the storm if possible.
On the night of January 24, ADOT officials announced that State Route 89A was closed in both directions between Sedona and Flagstaff due to the winter storm. There is no estimated time to reopen.
Meanwhile, the national weather service in Flagstaff advises travelers not to park along the highways to play in the snow.
Snow in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona. (Photo: Charles Fishback)
Classes canceled in Flagstaff on Monday
In a statement released during the late afternoon of January 24, officials with the Flagstaff Unified School District said all schools in the district would be closed on Yes. 25, including distance education classes.
“A provision for school and district services for Tuesday 26 January 2021 will be made on Monday evening or early Tuesday morning,” reads a portion of the statement
Rain, hail seen across the Valley
The Valley had scattered showers on Sunday morning, although some residents – specifically those in the southeast – saw worse storm cells.
The National Weather Service reported that hail and hail, or soft hail, were reported along the U.S. 60 near Superior.
Monday and Tuesday, more rain is expected for the Phoenix area, with more storms as well as strong winds.
A winter storm surge is in effect on Monday and Tuesday in areas in a higher east of Phoenix.
Upcoming snowstorm brings fans of winter sports
Snowbowl tickets sold out in Flagstaff as predicted
Snowbowl officials say they received only 35 inches of snow this winter.
The impending snowstorm also means good news for the Arizona Snowbowl.
“We’re looking up to three yards until next Thursday, so this is big news for us,” said Li Cui, Arizona Snowbowl marketing manager.
So far, the ski area has received only 35 centimeters, but the possible snowfall is expected to double their season total within a few days.
This great storm that is coming in also brings many skiers and snowboarders to Flagstaff.
“Our Saturday tickets were sold out Tuesday night and Sunday tickets were sold out by Thursday,” Li said.
Rain / Flood Safety Tips
The American Red Cross’ tips for heavy rain situations and the safety of floods:
- Turn around, do not drown! If you have to drive and you are flooded with a lane, then turn around and go another road.
- If you are caught on a flooded road and water rises rapidly around you, quickly get out of the car and move to higher ground.
- Stay tuned to your local radio, NOAA radio or news channels for the latest updates.
- Be prepared to evacuate quickly if your environment is flooded.
- Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
- When power cords are down, do not step on puddles or standing water.
- When the power is off, use a flashlight. Do not use open flames as alternative lighting.
Prepare for a severe thunderstorm
The American Red Cross’s tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:
- Assemble an emergency kit.
- Know your community’s evacuation plan.
- Draw up and practice a household disaster plan.
- Buy a radio with a battery or hand-swing
- Discuss the weather safety with members of your household. Be aware that a storm can cause flooding.
- Choose a safe place in your home where family members can gather during a thunderstorm. It should be a place where there are no windows, skylights or glass doors that can be broken by strong winds or hail and can cause damage or injuries.
The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.