The storm that hit the West Coast is moving inland and is expected to have a major impact on Arizona over the weekend.
Arizona, USA — The first of two major winter storm systems is here. Winter storm warnings and advisories will be posted above 5,500 feet above 5,500 feet until 5pm on Sunday. A gale warning is in effect for the Little Colorado River Valley until 8:00 a.m. Sunday with gusts of up to 65 mph.
Related: Winter storm hits Arizona
Widespread snow and low desert rain continue to spread eastward from Saturday night through Sunday morning. Snow levels have dropped to about 5,000 feet. Look for much cooler Sunday highs in the late 50s in the low desert and in the high 30s to 50s in the highlands.
Related: Southwest prepares for one-two punch of winter storms
A second Storm System is set to arrive Monday through Tuesday. If cooler air is in place, look for low snow levels down to about 4,000 feet. The wind is not as strong as in the first system.
Related: Arizona radar
Authorities are discouraging people from traveling, but are telling them to pack warm clothes, water, emergency kits and other supplies in case they have to go out.
The Weather Service in Flagstaff, a popular destination for snow play, advised people to stay home until the weekend.
Follow live updates below:
10 pm – According to the National Weather Service, snow is beginning to accumulate along I-40 west of Flagstaff.
It’s snowing! ❄️It’s already starting to snow here at his NWS office in Belmont and along his I-40 west of Flagstaff.Keep up with the latest road conditions with https://t.co/gjspP0s92K rest assured! #azwx pic.twitter.com/iCJXOsRbHZ
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) January 15, 2023
9:40 p.m. – Rising creeks, creeks and some dry washes are expected early next week with precipitation.
Highest total precipitation by early next week in favor of highland/uphill regions, with creeks, increased creeks, and some dry wash expected. One of them is Tonto Creek, which is predicted to become impossible to cross low water beyond the active stage. #azwx pic.twitter.com/zumckgubVG
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) January 15, 2023
8:30pm – Snow has started to fall on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
7:00 PM UPDATE – Saturday, January 14, 2023. It’s starting to snow here on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The hermit trail has been closed as the situation is becoming dangerous.
Opening may be delayed tomorrow morning due to limited shuttle bus service. #AZWX pic.twitter.com/3W0cpNjA0r— Grand Canyon NPS (@GrandCanyonNPS) January 15, 2023
7:20 p.m. – It’s raining lightly in La Paz County on Saturday night. The road is already wet and drivers are being asked to slow down.
7:20 PM Radar Update: Light rain is falling throughout La Paz County tonight. Enough to wet the road already. So always slow down on wet roads. Optical radar returned over Phoenix shows no precipitation reaching the ground (virga). #azwx #Caucus pic.twitter.com/3N2KrkMM9a
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) January 15, 2023
18:25~ The National Weather Service has issued a strong wind advisory for areas near and north of the White Mountains.
⚠️ Strong Wind Warning ⚠️ issued for areas near and north of White Mountains. Sustained winds are from the southwest near 25 to 35 mph, with gusts approaching 65 mph. This warning is in effect from 11:00 pm tonight until 8:00 am tomorrow. #azwx pic.twitter.com/WVawQad929
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) January 15, 2023
6:14 p.m. Flooding threatens as heavy rain continues to hit California, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy rain waves continue to hit California. Heavy rains continue, and there is a risk of floods, landslides, and landslides. Hazardous travel from CA to CO due to heavy snow and blizzards. pic.twitter.com/6LQXmxC6zh
— National Weather Service (@NWS) January 15, 2023