Latest winter storm brings rain, snow to Arizona; most highways reopened
The latest winter storm dumped rain and snow across Arizona, and the weather shut down major highways in the state.
In the Valley, rain began to fall overnight and into Wednesday morning. Lingering showers remained for the rest of the day and into Thursday. There's a slim chance for more rain on Friday.
"The unsettled weather will continue over the next few days with scattered showers & a few isolated t-storms today followed by more widespread light rainfall mainly Thursday afternoon," the National Weather Service Phoenix wrote in a post on X.
Heavy snow in Flagstaff shuts down highways
The latest winter storm has dumped rain and snow across Arizona, and the weather shut down major highways in the state. FOX 10s Lindsey Ragas and Irene Snyder report.
Up north in Flagstaff, heavy snow continued to fall on Wednesday and Thursday, closing major highways and shutting down schools.
"With numerous road closures and widespread snowfall for much of northern AZ, travel will be dangerous to impossible this AM," the National Weather Service Flagstaff wrote on X. "Travel conditions remain poor the next several days before much improved conditions arrive Sunday."
The latest highway closures, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation:
- State Route 64 east of the Grand Canyon National Park (mileposts 242-276)
"Interstate travelers looking to pass through Arizona are encouraged to use southern routes, including I-10 and I-8, for travel," officials wrote on AZ511.gov.
School delays
Officials with the Flagstaff Unified School District said all schools within their district will be closed on Feb. 9, including before and after school activities and food service. Classes were canceled completely on Feb. 8.
Meanwhile, officials with Northern Arizona University said their Flagstaff Mountain Campus will be on a two-hour delayed start on Feb. 9, with classes before 10:00 a.m. canceled.
(Related Video) Winter weather: Heavy rain affects WM Phoenix Open
On Feb. 8, a winter storm brought some heavy rain to parts of the Phoenix area. In Scottsdale, it was raining so hard that the first round of the WM Phoenix Open had to be suspended due to unplayable condition. This came after the Pro-Am on Feb. 7 was canceled due to hail and rain. FOX 10's Brian Webb reports.
Latest forecast
Road Conditions
- Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
- az511.com
Satellite and radar
Latest rain totals
Leave prepared before heading north
After recent snowfall in the high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is reminding drivers who are heading north to never park along highways to play in the snow.
Use the highway shoulders for emergencies only. Parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in the following ways:
- Other drivers may be distracted by your vehicle.
- Other drivers may pull over as well to play in the snow, compounding the problem.
- Your vehicle may interfere with first responders who need to use the shoulder.
- Plows can throw snow and ice far off highways.
- It’s much safer to re-enter highways from on-ramps and other designated entrances
"Also, it’s not uncommon for lots of desert dwellers to take the opportunity to head north to play in the snow. So, remember to pack your patience and expect to spend extended time in your vehicle getting to and from snow play areas."
ADOT's suggestions for items to take along:
- Warm clothing and blankets
- A fully charged mobile phone and charger
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Drinking water
- Healthy snacks
- First-aid kit and necessary medications
- Ice scraper
- Small bag of sand or kitty litter for wheel traction
- Small folding shovel for snow removal
- Travel tool kit and battery cables
- Safety flares
- Plastic bags or containers for sanitation
- Road map(s)
ADOT says you and your vehicle must be prepared for driving in wintry conditions, including snow, ice and freezing temperatures.
- Get plenty of rest
- Plan your route in advance and notify someone about your route, destination and arrival time
- Take frequent breaks from driving
- Make sure your fuel tank is at least half to three-quarters full at all times
- Use snow tires, chains or studded tires as recommended or required. Studded tires are permitted on Arizona highways from Oct. 1 to May 1.
- Ensure your wipers, window defroster, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work
- Change your motor oil to a winter grade
- For electric or hybrid vehicles, be sure the battery has sufficient voltage and the connection cables are tight
Get more safety tips at https://azdot.gov/KnowSnow
For Flagstaff area snow-play locations, see FlagstaffArizona.org's Winter Recreation Map or call 844-256-SNOW.
Rain/flood safety tips
The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:
- Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
- If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly 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, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
- Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
- If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
- If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.
Preparing for a severe thunderstorm
The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:
- Put together an emergency kit.
- Know your community’s evacuation plan.
- Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
- Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
- Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.