Overview
A strong and cold winter storm will impact Central and Northern Arizona Friday through Saturday – with periods of moderate to heavy snow creating hazardous driving conditions and limited visibility. Snow levels will initially be around 5500-6000 ft on Friday….lowering to around 4000 feet by Saturday.
This storm will impact much of Northern Arizona…especially those locations near to, and along the south and west slopes of the higher terrain. The period of greatest impact will be from Friday afternoon through early Saturday morning. Areas downstream Mogollon Rim and other significant valley locations…such as the Little Colorado River Valley (Winslow), and the Chinle Valley, will only see minor accumulations.
Stay tuned to the NWS Flagstaff as weather advisories and warnings are updated for this event with finer details on the specific impacts for your area.
PRIMARY IMPACTS:
• Expect hazardous driving conditions and periods of limited visibility over the higher terrain Friday through Saturday. The period of greatest impacts will be from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Higher sun angles may diminish the impacts of the moderate to heavy snow which falls during early on Friday.
TIMING:
• Periods of snow will begin on Friday morning…increasing through the day. The period of greatest accumulations will be Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Snow showers will continue through Saturday night, with lesser accumulations expected.
CURRENT SNOW TOTAL ESTIMATES (Friday through Saturday night):
• Western Mogollon Rim 6000’ and above: 6-12”. Higher accumulations south of Flagstaff, and over the peaks.
• Central and Eastern Mogollon Rim, White Mountains 6500’ and above: 12-18”
• Yavapai County above 6000’: 6-12”
• NE AZ (N. Apache / N. Navajo Cty): 4-10” above 6000’
• Kaibab (N. Coconino Cty): 6-12” above 6000’
CONFIDENCE:
• Confidence is moderate to high on the timing of the event, with moderate to high confidence on the amount of snow to fall across the area. Impacts and initial accumulations of snow on roadways early on Friday may be limited due to the higher late-season sun angles
The specific impacts of this event will be changing with time.
Please check our web page www.weather.gov/flagstaff for the latest forecasts, advisories or warnings for this event.