Sarah Robinson, KTVK KPHO Staff
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Flagstaff, Arizona (KPHO, KTVK) — A major winter storm swept through much of Arizona early Tuesday morning, creating potentially dangerous driving conditions and bringing more than a foot of snow in high altitudes.
City spokesperson Sam Beckett said Flagstaff already had a near-record snowfall in January, making preparations for this storm more complicated.
“I think we broke the third-largest January snowfall in history, and the biggest part was after the event. We were still doing snow hauling in the community, trying to free up our downtown area.It was a tremendous effort to try to haul all the snow out of there, and then back to snow operations. It’s been hard work, it’s relentless and never gives up,” said Beckett.
According to First Alert Meteorologist April Warneke, heavy snow is expected in the High Country and dust is expected in desert areas. Forecasters are predicting 9 to 15 inches in Flagstaff, about 3 to 5 inches in Prescott, and 1 to 3 inches in Sedona.
Crews in Northern Arizona are already doing their due diligence, with Flagstaff Unified, Williams, Unified, Embry-Riddle and Blue Ridge also canceling classes for Tuesday. A high wind warning is in effect for Mount Superstition, Mount Pinal, and Mount Superstition from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM due to possible strong gusts of wind.
Meanwhile, Flagstaff is already in near-blizzard conditions. Beckett said the city is asking people who don’t need to move off the road.
“If you don’t have to travel, don’t. There will be a sizeable blizzard and snow event in the next 24 to 48 hours or so. Expect the majority to arrive tomorrow afternoon. It can be windy and snowy Travel is going to be very dangerous and we hope people don’t travel if they don’t have to. With remote work options, tomorrow would be a great day to do it,” he said.
If you decide to drive, stay away from snowplows, says Beckett. Every year there are incidents where people have trouble getting too close or trying to pass by.
“If you see a snowplow, give them a little extra space. Don’t assume they can see you. Give it to me,” said Beckett.
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