A major winter storm brought rain, snow, and damaging wind to much of Arizona on Wednesday and another round on Thursday.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Major winter storm impacting Arizona
"Damaging winds and treacherous to impossible driving conditions are expected due to blowing dust & snow," NWS Flagstaff tweeted Tuesday morning ahead of Wednesday's storm.
Thursday could bring another 12 inches or more of snow to parts of the high country. The Valley will likely only see light rain.
Blowing snow and reduced visibility will create hazardous travel conditions for much of northern Arizona. While not as strong as they were Wednesday, expect more strong winds.
LIVE RADAR: Track storms around the Valley, state
Closures of events, roads and schools have been put in place due to bad weather.
Here are the latest updates surrounding this latest storm:
4:24 a.m.
SCHOOL CLOSURES & DELAYS:
-Flagstaff Unified schools are CLOSED today (Friday, Feb. 24)
-Williams Unified schools are under 'continued closure'
2:05 a.m., Friday, Feb. 24
UPDATE: The following highways remain closed due to extreme weather. ADOT strongly advises against traveling during the current winter storm warning. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/OrncXRI3hp
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 24, 2023
8:12 p.m.
UPDATE: The following highways are closed due to extreme weather. ADOT strongly advises against traveling during the current winter storm warning. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/h9xqyvxwjJ
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 24, 2023
5:02 p.m.
Due to inclement winter weather, all Flagstaff Unified School District schools will be closed on Friday, February 24, 2023 - including before and after school activities and food service. More at https://t.co/F6p1QMvVSq. pic.twitter.com/npLvLc0D3P
— Flagstaff Unified School District (@FlagstaffUSD1) February 24, 2023
2:00 p.m.
11:41 a.m.
10:51 a.m.
8:55 a.m.
ADOT has reopened the following highways after yesterday's weather closures:
- I-17 northbound has reopened between SR 179 and Flagstaff (MP 298-340)
- I-40 eastbound has reopened at US 93 (MP 72)
- I-40 westbound has reopened at Holbrook (MP 289)
- SR 89A has reopened between Sedona and Flagstaff
- SR 260 from east of Camp Verde to the SR 87 Junction (MP 229-252)
The following highways are still closed:
- SR 87 between Winslow and Payson (MP 342-252)
- SR 260 eastbound between McNary and Greer (MP 360-385)
- SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park (MP 377-383)
- US 180 north of Snowbowl (MP 236-248)
- SR 64 near the Grand Canyon (MP 240-264)
- US 191 South of Alpine (MP 188-252)
7:09 a.m.
— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) February 23, 2023Another round of winds, snow and rain coming today.
Most significant impact will be across N Arizona and the high country, where we could see more than a foot of additional snow today/tonight.
Blowing snow could drop visibility in time for the evening commute#abc15wx #azwx pic.twitter.com/6feOKBZZbS
7:05 a.m.
UPDATE: NAU is canceling in-person classes and closing campus today on the Flagstaff Mountain Campus
6:18 a.m.
6:02 a.m.
Sunrise Temporarily Closed Today (2/23): Unfortunately, Sunrise is closed again today (2/23) due to road conditions. ADOT has struggled due to high winds (gusts up to 75mph) causing significant snow drifts near Horseshoe Cienega Lake and near Sunrise Lake. No ETA at this time
— Sunrise Park Resort (@SunriseSkiAZ) February 23, 2023
5:29 a.m.
UPDATE: Blue Ridge Unified schools are now CLOSED today.
4:47 a.m.
Wow! Wind yesterday uprooted this tree at an apartment complex off 32nd St. & Shea. Residents tell me it broke a water main & some are still with out water this morning #abc15 #azwx pic.twitter.com/dZ7ah9bTek
— Jamie Warren (@JamieABC15) February 23, 2023
4:31 a.m.
SCHOOL CLOSURES/DELAYS:
-Flagstaff Unified schools are CLOSED today (Thursday, Feb. 23).
-Williams Unified schools are CLOSED today.
-Blue Ridge Unified schools are on a 2-hour delay.
4:23 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 23
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 23, 2023UPDATE: The following highways are closed due to extreme weather.
ADOT strongly advises against traveling during the current winter storm warning. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/Utiw7FGvfz
4:00 p.m.
Here is an interactive map of places in the Flagstaff area to safely play in the snow.
3:00 p.m.
UPDATE: The following highways are closed due to extreme winter weather. We strongly advise against traveling during this winter-storm warning.#azwx #Aztraffic pic.twitter.com/X5E8aIm0Bn
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023
2:20 p.m.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023UPDATE: The following highways are closed due to extreme winter weather.
We strongly advise against traveling during this winter-storm warning.#azwx #Aztraffic pic.twitter.com/biEPTS2QMw
1:40 p.m.
Turn Around, Don't Drown! That's the golden rule if you see this while driving. This is what Tonto Creek at the Greenback Crossing looks like today. Be careful out there, Arizona. #abc15 #abc15wx #azwx
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) February 22, 2023
📸 Thank you, Randy Roberson, for sending us this video. pic.twitter.com/m2pAhENmjO
12:14 p.m.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023UPDATE: The following highways are closed due to extreme weather.
ADOT strongly advises against traveling during the current winter storm warning. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/zPwHF2MuVw
11:14 a.m.
Storm related road closures north and south along 35th Avenue between Durango Street and Lower Buckeye Road pic.twitter.com/I7BaJ7xYWR
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) February 22, 2023
11:14 a.m.
Due to extreme cold and widespread power outages, a warming center is open to the public for those who need to seek temporary shelter. pic.twitter.com/Hp8CsaWhDG
— Coconino County (@CoconinoCounty) February 22, 2023
11:03 a.m.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023NOW: Blowing dust has been spotted along SR 347. #PullAsideStayAlive
10:56 a.m.
There are many neighborhoods and communities around the Prescott area which will not have power until possibly 6:00 pm or later this evening, according to APS.
— Yavapai_County_OEM (@YavapaiOEM) February 22, 2023
For further sheltering questions contact the American Red Cross at 602-336-6660 or YCOEM 928-771-3321 pic.twitter.com/sC7jqNcZSV
10:36 a.m.
— Nicole Grigg (@NicoleSGrigg) February 22, 2023NO WATER: many without water at these apartments off Shea.
Strong winds have toppled trees at this complex, and broke a main water pipe that provides water to families.
Unclear how many impacted right now. @abc15 pic.twitter.com/Gp4fAzOkp0
10:30 a.m.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023UPDATE: The following highways are closed due to extreme weather.
ADOT strongly advises against traveling during the current winter storm warning. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/lJtd7fyZIQ
10:00 a.m.
8:56 a.m.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023You betcha, same here in northern Arizona. Whiteout conditions, blowing snow, wind gusts up to 80 mph and we're advising no travel, too.
Be safe, winter friends. https://t.co/X48PnWp4Xt pic.twitter.com/cj9wQeIzw6
8:55 a.m.
SRP is reporting about 5,500 Phoenix-area customers are without power around 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.
APS did not show any outages in the Valley around 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.
APS reported 14,000+ customers were without power in northern Arizona Wednesday morning.
7:41 a.m.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023UPDATE: The following highways are closed due to extreme weather.
ADOT strongly advises against traveling during the current winter storm warning. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/hwDeI6Sh1z
7:28 a.m.
The latest power outage numbers:
APS: About 20,400 customers. The most affected areas include the cities of Phoenix, Flagstaff, Munds Park, and Happy Jack.
SRP: About 7,900 customers. The most impacted areas include Arcadia, Scottsdale, and Apache Junction.
7:16 a.m.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 7:45am for a strong thunderstorm just east of the #Phoenix metro, near the Tonto Basin. Moving toward the east, into Gila county.#abc15wx https://t.co/wpJc9iVIDh
— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) February 22, 2023
6:59 a.m.
55 mph gust at Sky Harbor #azwx
— Jorge Torres (@JorgeTWeather) February 22, 2023
6:57 a.m.
CLOSED: SR 89 southbound is closed at milepost 281 due to a downed tree. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/B17TOnUqHc
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023
6:52 a.m.
Rain's moving through Mesa, Tempe and surrounding areas; please slow down on wet pavement and leave extra braking room. Also allow more time to get to your destination.#azwx #Aztraffic pic.twitter.com/XNo3djI0KA
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023
6:42 a.m.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023UPDATE: The following highways are closed due to extreme weather.
ADOT strongly advises against traveling during the current winter storm warning. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/KgyrjnVmvB
6:13 a.m.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023UPDATE: The following highways are closed due to extreme weather.
ADOT strongly advises against traveling during the current winter storm warning. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/Omxp8Xr2cK
6:10 a.m.
APS is reporting thousands of customers around the state are without power. The areas most affected include Flagstaff, Prescott, and Munds Park.
5:26 a.m.
UPDATE: The following highways are closed due to extreme weather. ADOT strongly advises against traveling during the current winter storm warning. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/FLDIinfFGm
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2023
5:23 a.m.
The Sky Harbor website is showing 51 cancelations and 18 delays for upcoming flights. The FAA says a ground stop or delay program is possible in Phoenix this morning.
4:25 a.m.
ADOT and DPS have these road closures in place, though additional highway closures may become necessary as weather conditions change:
- I-40 eastbound is closed at US 93 east of Kingman
- I-40 westbound is closed in Winslow
- SR 87 southbound is closed in Winslow
- US 180 is closed north of Snowbowl, between mileposts 236-248
These highways will reopen when it is safe to do so.
4:20 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Flagstaff Unified schools, Blue Ridge Unified schools, and Williams Unified schools are CLOSED today (Wed, Feb. 22) due to weather.
10:14 p.m.
1015 PM (MST) - The wind event is now beginning in Doney Park, it's going to get much worse overnight east of those San Francisco Peaks. Wind gusts now exceeding 50 mph, on the way to 70 mph, maybe even 80 mph, in places. #azwx pic.twitter.com/CTry80kgd9
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) February 22, 2023
2 p.m.
2 PM Tue: Here's an updated timeline for the incoming storm system and peak wind gusts. Traveling? Follow surrounding offices for additional regional details @NWSVegas @NWSFlagstaff @NWSTucson @NWSSanDiego Road conditions: @ArizonaDOT @CaltransHQ #cawx #azwx pic.twitter.com/AjofmonmLQ
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 21, 2023
11:07 a.m.
⚠ A significant & crippling winter storm to impact Northern AZ tonight into Wednesday⚠ Damaging winds and treacherous to impossible driving conditions are expected due to blowing dust & snow! AVOID travel if possible and prepare for power outages tonight into Wednesday! #azwx pic.twitter.com/avknezXcUN
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) February 21, 2023
10:58 a.m.
10:50 a.m.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 21, 2023❄️BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AHEAD❄️
Winter storms are in the forecast, this time with powerful winds statewide as well as blizzard conditions in the high country.
ADOT strongly advises delaying travel or plan for lengthy delays if roads are closed.
10:24 a.m.
High winds expected in Pinal County over the next several days. If you encounter low visibility, pull over on the shoulder, foot off brake and turn lights off. Pull Aside Stay Alive. https://t.co/R1qRqQPw5b
— Pinal County Public Works (@PinalCountyPW) February 21, 2023
9:55 a.m.
— Elenee Dao (@Elenee_Dao) February 21, 2023A lot of rain in the East Valley right now. This is on the 202 heading toward Queen Creek.
More rain and winter weather is coming for the next day! @abc15 #azwx #wx
9:43 a.m.
8:08 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21
— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) February 21, 2023Tracking light rain in the Valley this morning as the first of two storms impacts our state.
2nd storm moves in tonight thru Wednesday & brings significant impacts. Powerful/damaging winds, more high country snow and Valley rain, and a big drop in temps. #abc15wx #azwx pic.twitter.com/hfpwS1ybZl
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