Flagstaff prepares for first winter storm

FLAGSTAFF, AZ - The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory through Friday in Flagstaff. Several inches of snow were expected to drop overnight and into Friday. 

City crews were busy preparing for snowfall Thursday. Snow plow drivers were sent home early in the day to get some rest. 

Mike Stress, a supervisor with the Flagstaff Street Division, said crews would be out at 11 p.m. Thursday and working through the night to clear roads if necessary.

"A lot of it is supposed to snow overnight. Things can change hour by hour," he said.

Meanwhile, Northern Arizona University is preparing for its commencement ceremonies Friday.  Officials scrambled to make last minutes changes to the graduation schedule. 

The morning ceremony was pushed back an hour to allow visitors more travel time, according to an NAU news release. Graduation ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on campus.

"We're expecting up to 10,000 people from across Arizona, California, and throughout the Southwest," Cynthia Brown, an NAU spokesperson, said. 

NAU suggests travelers give themselves extra time, dress appropriately for weather conditions, check ADOT for any road closures, and the weather forecast before arriving.

For more information on snow conditions in Flagstaff go to the city website .