Northern Arizonans should look forward to a much-needed respite from snow this weekend, according to National Weather Service officials. According to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport’s snow records, 140.1 inches have fallen since July 1. That figure ranks second only behind 1948-49!
Snowfall totals
This winter is shaping up to be one of the snowiest in Flagstaff history. At Thursday afternoon’s flagstaff Pulliam Airport total, 140.9 inches had fallen so far this season; second only to 1948-49 which recorded 153.9 inches in terms of snowfall totals.
Even after heavy snowfall, some areas were experiencing dry conditions this week. Although this bodes well in terms of replenishing water runoff and reducing wildfire risk in spring/summer seasons, snow makes driving difficult and may cause roof collapses on some homes.
Snowfall in Flagstaff and surrounding areas has led to some unexpected closures. Northern Arizona University cancelled classes Monday through Wednesday due to the inclement weather; their start date has since been postponed until Jan 15. Additionally, this weather caused a five-hour traffic jam along Interstate 40 from Kingman to Flagstaff with vehicles stuck on shoulders or stuck in right lanes causing congestion for more than five hours.
January’s record-setting snowfall is helping this winter outshone previous years. While this does not alter Flagstaff Pulliam Airport’s season record for 2008-2009, they have come closer to overtaking third place mark set back then – which stands at 151.5 inches since July 1 of this year! National Weather Service Bellemont office also saw their highest season yet since July 1.
Road conditions
Snow accumulation is creating travel difficulties across Arizona, including in Flagstaff. Multiple highways have been closed by heavy snow and high winds that are expected to persist through Friday; numerous homes and businesses in Flagstaff remain without power while parks remain closed; SR-87 between Payson and Winslow was completely shut down while several highways partially shut down, adding delays for travelers heading towards and from airports as well as slow traffic conditions on Interstate 40.
Flagstaff is one of the snowiest cities in the US, receiving more than 100 inches annually. Snowfall begins as early as October and lasts through May, with 33 snowfall days per year totalling up to one foot of accumulation.
An unprecedented snowfall has closed roads throughout northern Arizona and made travel challenging, leading to some closures. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for much of Coconino and Yavapai counties as two to four inches per hour snowfall rates reached their highest elevations. Heavy rainfall caused flooding across Phoenix metro area while trash/recycling collection has also been suspended until Wednesday at Flagstaff.
Weather conditions
Northern Arizonans have much to be thankful for this winter season. Snowfall records were set by multiple storms across northern Arizona and winds were among the strongest on record, according to the National Weather Service Flagstaff office. 2022-23 has already become the second-snowiest meteorological winter (measured from December 1 through February 28) ever.
Flagstaff typically experiences some snow every day between November and March, although major snowstorms that dump ten or more inches of new snow in a single day usually only appear about six times annually.
At the height of this winter’s snowstorms, nearly 12 highways were closed due to slippery conditions. Since then, most roads have since reopened; however some drivers must still use caution in certain locations.
Rain falls most frequently between January and April, while mixed precipitation events usually peak from September through June when Flagstaff typically sees several inches on the ground. Overall, Flagstaff tends to remain sunny and dry year round making it an attractive winter and spring destination for skiing, snowboarding, hiking and other outdoor activities – although its unpredictable weather means high snowfall amounts may appear on certain days while others might see milder conditions; its tourism score favors clear and rainless days for outdoor activities.
Alerts
Flagstaff is the largest city in northern Arizona and receives significant snowfall. It is well known for its stunning winter scenes and skiing opportunities, attracting visitors from throughout Arizona. If visiting Flagstaff during wintertime, visitors should wear warm clothing as well as bring plenty of food and water supplies with them.
Bring along a snow shovel and ice scraper as snow removal efforts are already underway in Phoenix. ADOT boasts over 200 snow plows ready for action while additional crew members prepare for potential snowstorms. Motorists are advised to stay off of roads until conditions improve before driving on them.
According to the National Weather Service, this winter is shaping up as one of the snowiest in recent memory – already surpassing normal monthly average for January! In fact, it ranks third-snowiest since records started being kept back in 1898!
The latest winter storm to strike Arizona could leave significant amounts of snow in areas like Flagstaff. Depending on its intensity, power outages could occur as well; so people should delay travel until weather improves before venturing north of Tucson; schools and public buildings such as Sacred Peaks Health Center in Flagstaff have closed as a result – such as its clinic and pharmacy being shuttered as an example.
