Arizona weather forecast: Heavy snow, strong winds in High Country

PHOENIX - A winter storm brought strong winds, rain and snow to Arizona on Wednesday. 

Wednesday:

Gusts of 30 mph swept over the Valley, and winds up to 75 mph blew through northern Arizona.

The Valley saw light rain showers during the afternoon, and rain will come to an end throughout the evening. The high country received more than 6.5 inches of snow in spots around Flagstaff. The snow has led to snow-covered, slick road conditions, and even a closure of I-17 southbound near Munds Park, as of the evening hours.

Snow and rain will wind down by around 8 p.m. The winds will also die down overnight across Arizona. Tonight will be frigid in the high country, with lows in the teens and 20s. Expect black ice to form on the high country roads for the Thursday morning commute. The Valley will cool to around 45 degrees tonight.

Thursday and Friday:

Thursday will be a drier and sunnier day. The Valley will be mostly sunny with a high of 66 degrees. 

The winds will pick up by the afternoon and evening, with gusts of 15 to 25 mph. The high country will see partly cloudy skies, with breezy winds of 25 to 40 mph.

More rain and snow will move into northwest Arizona by Thursday afternoon and evening. The rain and snow will cross the state overnight into Friday morning. The Valley will see a chance for light rain overnight, but most impacts will be further north.

Winter storm watches are in effect for the Kaibab Plateau and the Mogollon Rim Thursday evening through Friday morning, and 4 to 9 more inches of snow will be possible. As colder air moves in, even some lower elevation spots like Payson, Prescott and Camp Verde may see light snow accumulation. The heaviest snow will fall near Flagstaff, leading to  hazardous driving conditions Friday morning.

This Weekend:

We will quickly dry out as we warm into the 70s Saturday and near 80 Sunday in Phoenix.

You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.

Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds.

Road Conditions

• Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
• az511.com

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.

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