As the storm system moves in from the West Coast, Arizona is expected to see rain, snow and possible flooding.
Heavy rain is expected from Tuesday to Wednesday. Widespread rainfall of a half-inch to an inch is expected in the southwestern portion of Arizona, with locally higher levels, and up to 1.5 inches across south-central Arizona, with locally higher levels arriving through thunderstorms, officials said.
Northern Arizona is expected to see large amounts of snow, officials said. Flagstaff and Williamsburg are expected to receive between 9 and 13 inches of snow, and Forest Lakes, near Show Low, could receive between 13 and 19 inches.
A flood watch was in effect for southwestern Arizona and parts of the south-central areas of the state.
Follow our reports to get the latest updates on rain and snow impacts and weather forecast news.
Sprinkles is making its way to metro Phoenix
Light rain made its way through the Phoenix metro area Tuesday afternoon. Most of the rain is expected to fall after 3 p.m., with light to moderate rain falling in the evening. According to officials.
A flood watch for south-central Arizona remains in effect as of Wednesday morning. Expected impacts from the rain are expected to be minor to moderate, including longer commute times and minor road flooding.
During this time, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office She recommends avoiding several areas, including the Boxcar, Needlerock, Camp Creek, Four Peaks, Lower Sycamore and Tonto National Forest areas.
Wind conditionAffairs The hurricane is expected to intensify in southwestern Arizona throughout the evening after thunderstorms in Yuma. These storms may bring winds of up to 40 mph. As a result, driving conditions are expected to be difficult for high-profile vehicles on Interstates 8 and 10, especially as the evening progresses.
Driving tonight? Here are 6 tips for driving safely during rain in Arizona
-Kira Caspers
How weather affects planes 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 annually.
As many as 2,000 flights were canceled last Monday after a bitter winter storm battered much 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?
The problem, apart from icing conditions and barometric pressure, is not what's happening in the air, but what's happening on the ground, said Ernie Satterhoet, a multi-engine commercial pilot and flight instructor.
“Jet engines like cold air, and they are more efficient at high altitudes, where it is cooler,” Satterhoet said. “The higher air density gives the aircraft better lift with less energy, which means better performance in cold weather.”
–Karalyn Nunes
5 tips for driving in the snow everyone should know
With snow expected to fall in parts of Arizona, drivers should prepare for snowy and icy roads.
Travelers in areas like Flagstaff, the snowiest city in Arizona, and Prescott and other cities at higher elevations will be more accustomed to these driving conditions. But even the most experienced drivers should be prepared when encountering icy roads and follow some basic guidelines to stay safe.
Here's what you need to know about driving on snow-covered roads this season.
– Rafael Romero Ruiz
Northern Arizona School District releases students early due to snow
The Williams Unified School District in northern Arizona announced it would release students early Tuesday due to the weather.
The school district said in a Facebook post that it would release students on its half-day schedule; Afternoon kindergarten has been cancelled. After-school activities have also been cancelled.
Officials asked students and families to monitor for more updates about the school on Wednesday and Thursday.
– Shelby Slade
Snow is falling in Flagstaff and more is expected this afternoon
The Flagstaff area received about an inch of new snow, the National Weather Service said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday.
The post said the snow level reached 7,000 feet and was expected to fall as the day continued.
People in northern Arizona should be prepared for “rapidly deteriorating conditions” Tuesday afternoon and evening.
– Shelby Slade
Mesa is offering residents free sandbags before the storm
Mesa residents can get free sandbags in preparation for storms this week.
Sandbags and empty bags will 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 Avenue.
- Fire Station 212, 2430 E. Ellsworth Road.
Pre-filled sandbags will be available at the following locations:
- Transportation Building 300 AH 6th Street (west side of the building).
- East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur Street (front parking lot).
– Shelby Slade
The storm system will not hit Arizona as hard as it did California. this is the reason
A series of severe winter storms caused by the merger of powerful atmospheric rivers and fueled by El Niño have rocked Southern California, setting daily precipitation records across the lower reaches of the state.
Downtown Los Angeles recorded a record 4.10 inches on Sunday, breaking the previous daily record from 1927 of 2.55 inches. Long Beach Airport recorded a record 1.50 inches, and Santa Barbara Airport received 2.39 inches of rain, breaking the previous record of half an inch set in 1990.
But as the storm moves inland, Arizonans can expect weaker systems and less rain. The Phoenix area is on track to receive between a half inch and an inch, much less than what fell in Southern California, though still close to one month's worth in one fell swoop.
Here's what to expect when the storm system hits Arizona.
-Caralyn Nunes
