Daily Sun Stuff
As expected, a strong winter storm brought at least a foot of snow to several areas of northern Arizona, with more snow accumulating through Tuesday.
According to Belmont’s National Weather Service, Flagstaff set a snow record of 14.8 inches on Sunday, breaking the record set in 1978 of 8.9 inches. The storm began on Saturday night, and Flagstaff Airport is up to 17.7 inches of snow to date.
The forecast calls for another 12 to 24 inches of rise for the rest of the storm through Tuesday night. The system then turns to clear skies and hot temperatures near freezing for the rest of the week.
Heavy snowfall created difficult driving conditions and even caused several road closures, including the closure of Highway 180 in both directions on a section 24 miles north of Flagstaff. He heads north on Interstate 17 near Munds Park. Head east on Interstate 40 to Highway 93. State Route 89A at the switchback between Sedona and Interstate 17. There are a few more, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
People are also reading…
Lake Mary Road was closed in both directions on Sunday night due to poor visibility and difficult conditions.
ADOT advises drivers to avoid traveling if possible until the storm has passed. Officials are discouraging people from driving, but are telling them to pack warm clothes, water, emergency kits and other supplies in case they have to go out.
Due to inclement weather, the City of Flagstaff’s Solid Waste Section will temporarily suspend residential trash and recycling collection services starting Monday in an effort to protect city employees, residents and facilities. Commercial waste and recycling collection services will continue, where accessible, until further notice.
Coconino County says snowplows and graders clear county roads 24/7 and will continue during storms. Cities within Coconino County are also cultivated.
Meanwhile, on Saturday night Northern Arizona University canceled the first day of classes. Cancellations are relatively rare for the university, but a significant snowfall forecast prompted NAU to cancel Tuesday’s opening day well ahead of schedule.
According to the statement, “Flagstaff classes will begin Wednesday, January 18, to allow campus staff and community partners to clear roads and mitigate travel-related risks due to severe weather. Students will: We strongly encourage you to do so, be aware of weather and road conditions and adjust your travel plans accordingly.All campus living communities are now open for occupancy.”
The university said it will provide additional information to employees and students by 5 p.m. Monday, based on the impact of the storm at that time.
Coconino Community College announced that it will also close its campus on Tuesday.
Schools in the Flagstaff Unified School District are also scheduled to be closed Monday for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s holiday, and made the decision Sunday afternoon to cancel Tuesday’s classes.
The district will communicate changes or cancellations in multiple ways, including social media, texts, phone calls, and website updates. fusd1.org.
Admission to the Grand Canyon and other national parks will be waived on Monday, but park officials said storms may prevent visitors from seeing deeper into the canyon. is covered with snow and frozen.
The Arizona Snowbowl reported 15 inches of snow overnight. The resort is open, but Snowball Road requires chains or 4×4.
