arizona news
Has been updated: February 26, 2023 at 12:43 PM
(Twitter photo/@YavapaiOEM)
PHOENIX — A recent winter storm brought light rain through the valley overnight and brought snow to northern Arizona and Tucson.
The widespread storm had rain gauges across the Phoenix area averaging just over 10 inches of rain by early morning. National Weather Service Said.
Mesa and Apache Junction rain gauges registered the heaviest rainfall, with more than half an inch recorded by 10 a.m., according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Maricopa County Flood Control District.
Queen Creek and parts of Gold Canyon recorded less than half an inch of rain, while Chandler and Fountain Hills recorded more than a quarter inch of rain.
Much of the West Valley was recorded with tenths of an inch of rain.
Snow was expected in northern Arizona into the afternoon. A winter storm warning is in effect until 2pm as the chance of precipitation remains at 90%, according to the NWS.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, only one highway (US 180 between mileposts 236 and 248) was closed due to a blizzard and snow drift associated with high winds.
Areas above 4,000 feet in elevation can receive 2 to 4 inches of snow.
Snow was also seen in the Oro Valley in southern Arizona and north of Tucson.
NWS said parts of southern Arizona above 3,000 feet had small snowpacks up to a few inches, and areas as low as 2,500 feet could see brief snowpacks.
Drivers were advised to be prepared for extra travel time during extreme weather conditions.Travelers should also follow the forecast and pack an emergency travel kit before hitting the road.
