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Recap: Winter storms dumped rain and snow on Arizona over the weekend

The storms that battered the west coast moved inland leading to road closures and tons of snow in the High Country.

ARIZONA, USA — The first of two major winter storm systems is here. Winter storm warnings and advisories are posted for elevations above 5,500 feet until 5 p.m. Sunday. As of Sunday morning light showers are moving across the Valley, but NWS Phoenix says not to expect much rainfall.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced multiple highway closures in the High Country due to the weather. Since this morning, much of I-17 and I-40 have reopened.

  • State Route 64 is closed between mileposts 241 and 268 near the Grand Canyon.

RELATED: Winter storms take aim at Arizona

Widespread snow and low desert rain continue to spread eastward overnight Saturday into Sunday morning. Snow levels are dropping to around 5,000 feet. Look for much cooler Sunday highs in the 50s in the low deserts and in the lower 30s to lower 50s in the high country. 

RELATED: US Southwest in store for one-two punch of winter storms

A second storm system is set to arrive Monday into Tuesday. With colder air in place, look for lower snow levels down to around 4,000 feet. Winds won't be quite as strong compared to the first system. 

RELATED: Radar over Arizona

Authorities are discouraging people from traveling but say to be prepared with warm clothes, water, emergency kits and other supplies if they must head out.

The weather service in Flagstaff, a popular destination for snow play, advised people to stay home through the weekend.

Follow live updates below:

8:00 p.m. - The NWS says a daily snow fall record was set in Flagstaff on Sunday.

5:25 p.m. - Due to winter weather conditions, Northern Arizona University has canceled classes for Flagstaff Mountain Campus on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

5:20 p.m. - The City of Flagstaff is providing a map of available routes as crews work to clear snow from roads.

5:15 p.m. - A snow day has been called for Tuesday, Jan. 17, for Williams Unified School District in Williams.

5:10 p.m. - Due to inclement weather, all Flagstaff Unified School District schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

5:00 p.m. - ADOT says snowplows are working to clear roadways and is urging everyone to avoid travel. 

4:48 p.m. - According to ADOT, areas south of the Phoenix metro area are seeing wet conditions on roadways. Drivers are urged to slow down and leave plenty of room to brake if needed.

4:45 p.m. - Due to safety issues, ADOT is asking those in Flagstaff who want to play in the snow to not park on the side of roads and instead go to established snow play areas.

4:40 p.m. - ADOT is asking everyone in the high country to be prepared for delays or altering travel plans due to the winter weather.

4:35 p.m. - Pinal County seeing light-moderate rain Sunday afternoon.

4:30 p.m. - Northern Arizona is under a Winter Storm Warning through Tuesday for areas about  5,000 feet.

3:30 p.m. -  Another more potent storm system is headed toward the Valley on Monday.

2:55 p.m. - The following highways are closed due to winter weather conditions and related vehicle crashes, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

  • State Route 64 is closed between mileposts 241 and 268 near the Grand Canyon.    
  • State Route 89A is closed between Sedona and Interstate 17 (mileposts 375 and 398).

11:05 a.m. - I-40 has reopened, ADOT said.

10:10 a.m. - Over a foot of snow fell in less than 24 hours at Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams. At least the animals seem like they're enjoying it!

10:00 a.m. - Parts of I-40 have reopened, but others remain closed.

9:37 a.m. - I-17 has reopened, but other closures remain in place.

8:51 a.m. - It's nasty out there in the High Country. More road closures are coming in from ADOT as winter weather continues to batter the area.

8:20 a.m. - Rain will clear out of the Valley later this morning, leaving a cloudy day with temps in the low to mid 60s.

7:53 a.m. - Showers are moving across the Valley, but NWS Phoenix says not to expect much more than 0.10-0.25 inches of rain.

7:20 a.m. - ADOT has updated the list of highway closures.

6:50 a.m. - Most of Flagstaff is still getting steady snow, but NWS says it's easing off over the western parts of the state.

6:30 a.m. - Light showers are moving from west to east across Maricopa County, with more expected throughout the morning.

6:10 a.m. - ADOT has announced multiple highway closures due to winter weather conditions. Snow plows are working around-the-clock in affected areas.

10:00 p.m. - According to the National Weather Service, snow is starting to accumulate along I-40 west of Flagstaff.

9:40 p.m. - Rises in creeks, streams, and some dry washes are expected with precipitation early next week.

8:30 p.m. - Snow has started falling in the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. 

7:20 p.m. - Light rain is falling in La Paz County on Saturday evening. Road are already wet and drivers are urged to slow down.

6:25 p.m. - The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory for areas near and north of White Mountains.

6:14 p.m. - According to the National Weather Service, there is a threat of flooding as heavy precipitation continues to batter California.

   

Arizona Weather

Drought, wildfires, heat and monsoon storms: Arizona has seen its fair share of severe weather. Learn everything you need to know about the Grand Canyon State's ever-changing forecasts here:

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