Wednesday was an ABC15 Weather Action Day as a big blast of rain, wind, and snow moved across our state.
Roads were shut down, schools were closed and measurable rain and snow fell across Arizona — including some snow flurries in the Valley!
Here are the latest updates from this storm:
4:10 p.m.
The break some of you have wanted is here! Sunny skies and a warming trend are expected the next several days with no chances for precipitation. #AZwx pic.twitter.com/LT3nBXSGg1
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) March 2, 2023
2:00 p.m.
Lingering runoff continues in some washes of far northeast Maricopa County including Cave Creek. But, levels are lower than earlier this morning. #azwx https://t.co/QTTAlF6aVA
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) March 2, 2023
10:36 a.m.
10:09 a.m.
UPDATE: I-17 northbound is now OPEN from State Route 179 to Flagstaff, I-40 westbound is OPEN, I-40 eastbound REOPENS from Ash Fork to Winslow.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 2, 2023
The following highways are still closed. pic.twitter.com/iuOushlEm2
9:32 a.m.
Slick conditions being reported along SR 87 this morning. If you must travel, be sure to check the latest road conditions before leaving. #azwx https://t.co/x7dG4vx0Z5
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) March 2, 2023
8:53 a.m.
UPDATE: SR 77 between Dripping Springs and Globe has REOPENED.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 2, 2023
The following highways will remain closed until further notice due to adverse weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/FOs0hiZYON
8:46 a.m.
Wow... Scott Miller shared this view of the backup on westbound I-40 in Williams this morning.
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) March 2, 2023
Many drivers have been stranded on I-40 overnight during a full closure from Kingman to Flagstaff due to bad weather. #abc15wx pic.twitter.com/8F6kVfV1Rp
8:07 a.m.
Seeing some running washes impacting low water crossings this morning up in the Cave Creek area. A Flood Advisory is in effect until 11:45 AM MST. Remember to turn around don't drown! #azwx https://t.co/aMKelaq3GA
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) March 2, 2023
8:05 a.m.
UPDATE: SR 260 in both directions from east of Payson to Heber (MP 257-302) has REOPENED.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 2, 2023
SR 87 in both directions between Bush Highway and Payson has also REOPENED.
The following highways will remain closed until further notice due to adverse weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/FZo2BnLCwO
6:54 a.m.
IT'S SNOWING! Check out the snow flurries this morning near East Desert Hills Drive and North Cave Creek Road in North Scottsdale!
6:14 a.m.
Most areas in Phoenix picked up 0.50" of rain or more with this storm. The average on the Phoenix Rainfall Index was 0.61" Wednesday and 0.03" this morning. Upwards of 1.25" were measured in Cave Creek/Carefree before transitioning to snow. Sky Harbor picked up 0.65". #azwx pic.twitter.com/VQvCJB2209
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) March 2, 2023
6:07 a.m.
#CampusUpdate
— NAU (@NAU) March 2, 2023
⏰ NAU’s Flagstaff Mountain Campus on 4️⃣hour delayed start
📚Classes before noon Thursday, March 2, are canceled
📍Flagstaff, NAU-Yavapai and Show Low campuses will open at noon ➡️https://t.co/bhtb79VYtC pic.twitter.com/zeKCzGOX4j
6:02 a.m.
This has been a tempestuous winter. But for Flagstaff, this year is one for the record books thru March 1st! Check out the measured snow amounts at the Flagstaff Airport and at our office in Bellemont. Complete season totals could change the rankings the next couple months. #azwx pic.twitter.com/oAX3u3gwmp
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) March 2, 2023
5:13 a.m.
Flagstaff Unified schools are now CLOSED on Thursday due to weather.
4:51 a.m.
My view from 📍Flagstaff, AZ
— Ashley Holden (@ashleyvholden) March 2, 2023
It’s still snowing! @IrisABC15 @abc15 pic.twitter.com/92xatWMgHl
4:44 a.m.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Thursday, March 2
--Flagstaff Unified schools are on a two-hour delayed start
--Prescott Unified schools are on a two-hour delayed start
--Williams Unified schools are CLOSED
--Blue Ridge Unified schools are CLOSED
4:27 a.m.
The following highways are closed due to adverse weather conditions. Travel is strongly discouraged at this time due to the winter storm.#azwx #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/JHuNbGjV2p
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 2, 2023
2:27 a.m., Thursday, March 2
2:25 AM MST Update: Radar imagery shows wrap around light showers moving across the Phoenix metro area with snow mixing in at elevations above 1500-2000 feet. Activity will gradually come to an end by sunrise. #azwx pic.twitter.com/8MuRwjcFwy
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) March 2, 2023
10:57 p.m.
Light snow accumulations in North Scottsdale. This is around Cave Creek Rd and Lone Mountain Rd. Elevation here is around 1800-2000 feet. Drive carefully on snow-covered roads.
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) March 2, 2023
If you have any snow reports, send them our way. #azwx https://t.co/2uQQi5KK5o
10:15 p.m.
ADOT crews say multiple Arizona highways will remain closed due to weather.
ABC15 crews spoke with drivers who were caught in standstill traffic on I-40 for nearly five hours.
- I-17 northbound between SR 169 and Flagstaff (MP 278-340)
- I-40 westbound between Holbrook and Ash Fork (MP 289-146)
- I-40 eastbound between US 93 and Winslow (MP 72-255)
- US 180 north of Snowbowl (MP 236-248)
- US 191 in both directions south of Alpine (MP 188-253)
- US 93 southbound from the Nevada state line to I-40 (MP 1-72)
- SR 260 in both directions from east of Camp Verde to SR 87 (MP 229-251)
- SR 260 in both directions from east of Payson to Heber (MP 257-302)
- SR 89A in both directions between Sedona and Flagstaff (MP 375-398)
- SR 87 in both directions between Winslow and Payson (MP 340-250)
- SR 64 near the Grand Canyon National Park East Entrance (MP 244-261)
8:02 p.m.
More rain, hail, and high winds are expected across the Valley.
Heavy rain, high winds and hail falling across the Valley tonight.
— Amber Sullins (@AmberSullins) March 2, 2023
Stay inside until after this cold front clears east.
Intensity will back off in the next hour.
LIVE RADAR: https://t.co/GJDntqum9j#abc15 #ABC15wx #azwx #az #wx #arizona #weather #phoenix pic.twitter.com/bAEIEPYbCc
8 p.m.
Apower outage is affecting around 3,200 customers in the West Valley, according to an SRP outage map.
7:27 p.m.
A sign near US 60 and Rural Road, fell Wednesday evening. ADOT crews were sent to help clear the area.
UPDATE **Sign in Roadway on Northbound Rural Rd/Lakeshore**
— Tempe Police Department (@TempePolice) March 2, 2023
ADOT will not arrive to remove the sign until approx 8:30pm. Traffic will continue to be restricted on NB Rural and Lakeshore until the roadway is clear. Please continue to avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/PdjShAqSM7
6:04 p.m.
TRAFFIC ALERT: We're getting reports that some drivers have been at a standstill on U.S. 93 near Kingman for several hours as a winter storm causes snow/ice covered roads. #abc15 #azwx
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) March 2, 2023
elderly
traveling through Arizona. pic.twitter.com/8XTL71NDVm
5:50 p.m.
Due to the winter weather conditions, all Flagstaff Unified School District schools will be on a two-hour delayed start tomorrow, Thursday, March 2, 2023. More at https://t.co/F6p1QMvVSq pic.twitter.com/RGKEPIsRdE
— Flagstaff Unified School District (@FlagstaffUSD1) March 2, 2023
5:33 p.m.
The following highways are closed due to adverse weather conditions. ALL travel is strongly discouraged at this time due to the winter storm.#azwx #Aztraffic pic.twitter.com/7d6j8L0sEv
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 2, 2023
5:00 p.m.
Heads up for your afternoon/evening commute - be prepared for showers and gusty winds across the Phoenix metro area. This will create difficult driving conditions due to slippery roadways and reduced visibilities. #azwx #drivesafe pic.twitter.com/djogi3ThtM
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) March 1, 2023
3:28 p.m.
REMINDER: SR 89A is now closed in both directions between Sedona and Flagstaff due to adverse weather. These highways are also closed.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 1, 2023
Delaying travel is strongly encouraged during this winter storm.#azwx #Aztraffic pic.twitter.com/upE3ewikbj
3:14 p.m.
I-40 conditions right now near Ash Fork and Kingman, and on SR 64 ...
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 1, 2023
Delay travel if possible; if you choose to travel, be prepared that you’ll spend extended time in winter conditions.#azwx #I40 pic.twitter.com/rCH2pRJkVn
3:09 p.m.
🚨Winter weather continues to intensify across #NorthernArizona and numerous closures are in place. DO NOT drive into the storm; road conditions are hazardous in many areas. Visit https://t.co/PM26cM3y3a and follow @ArizonaDOT for the latest closure updates.👇 https://t.co/6nTESe3xMz
— Dept. of Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) March 1, 2023
2:45 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
12:46 p.m.
12:41 p.m.
Be prepared for wet conditions and gusty winds as we head into the evening commute and through the evening hours. Here is a forecast radar loop to provide a general timing of the precipitation across the region. #azwx pic.twitter.com/LeQzX159vV
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) March 1, 2023
12:10 p.m.
You guys I found the man who was shoveling in the cold early this morning, and he’s back out again. He really does deserve a raise! @abc15 pic.twitter.com/R2HOM8ftAM
— Ashley Holden (@ashleyvholden) March 1, 2023
11:42 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
Multiple school closures across northern Arizona as we prepare for a major storm that moves in today. #abc15wx #azwx https://t.co/nL1HB1UStw
— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) March 1, 2023
8:45 a.m.
8:45 AM: Snow will continue to increase in coverage and intensity through the morning and into the afternoon. Be careful if traveling, as many roads across the High Country are already snow covered.
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) March 1, 2023
Check with https://t.co/LjsgnzlaAM for road conditions and closures. #azwx pic.twitter.com/Gk4OTfMXLU
8:22 a.m.
CLOSED: SR 260 WB is closed at milepost 284 east of Payson. The closure is due to a crash. There is no estimated reopening time. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/OEAGHRojK9
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 1, 2023
8:19 a.m.
8:11 a.m.
415 AM (MST) - Snow showers becoming more widespread over western and central Arizona this morning. Quite a bit of blowing and drifting snow as well. Road conditions are going downhill, stay safe. #azwx pic.twitter.com/xZO7f96AMS
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) March 1, 2023
7:47 a.m.
Winter Storm Update - March 1, 2023 - 7:45 am
— Grand Canyon NPS (@GrandCanyonNPS) March 1, 2023
Desert View Drive (SR 64) from Grand Canyon Village to East Entrance at Desert View is CLOSED. South Entrance Road to Grand Canyon Village is OPEN.
Canyon visibility is limited today. Travel during storm today is not advised. pic.twitter.com/dlKHt0iEQm
7:43 a.m.
📍Flagstaff, AZ @abc15 pic.twitter.com/YJnmO8GdyJ
— Ashley Holden (@ashleyvholden) March 1, 2023
7:25 a.m.
MORE SCHOOL CLOSURES:
--Prescott Unified schools are CLOSED
--NAU is canceling in-person classes and closing campus on Wednesday, March 1, on the Flagstaff Mountain Campus, NAU-Yavapai and Show Low campuses
7:15 a.m.
Snow is already falling in the high country this morning. Much more is on the way as a major storm moves into Arizona.
— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) March 1, 2023
Prepare for heavy, blowing snow this afternoon and evening in northern and eastern AZ.
It will be a wet and windy drive home in the Valley.#abc15wx #azwx pic.twitter.com/rbzdE0Nnjq
6 a.m.
Good morning! Much of @CoconinoCounty saw the beginnings of snowfall overnight, and the storm will intensify throughout today, making travel conditions hazardous once again. Take it slow, yield to plows, and be safe out there! pic.twitter.com/iL0HNqEVKr
— Coconino County (@CoconinoCounty) March 1, 2023
4:45 a.m.
#NOW: ADOT has closed I-40 EB at US 93 (MP 72) along with US 180 N of Snowbowl (MP 236-248)
— Megan Thompson (@MeganABC15) March 1, 2023
It is a #WeatherActionDay here at #abc15. @IrisABC15 is live now with the details on Valley rain chances and high country winter weather.
4:35 a.m.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: Wednesday, March 1
--Williams Unified schools are CLOSED
--Flagstaff Unified schools are CLOSED
--Blue Ridge Unified schools have not yet decided whether to close schools
4:21 a.m.
CLOSED: Interstate 40 eastbound is closed at US 93 (milepost 72) because of extreme weather conditions. There is no estimated reopening time. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/BR37uliaQB
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 1, 2023
4:19 a.m., Wednesday, March 1
415 AM (MST) - Snow showers becoming more widespread over western and central Arizona this morning. Quite a bit of blowing and drifting snow as well. Road conditions are going downhill, stay safe. #azwx pic.twitter.com/xZO7f96AMS
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) March 1, 2023
5:59 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28
Snow is falling as we approach Flagstaff ❄️
— Ashley Holden (@ashleyvholden) March 1, 2023
I’ll be here for the next few days covering the winter weather and how this season’s snow will impact water resources for the Valley. Tune into @abc15 this week and follow me on my social media for more. pic.twitter.com/CbTztweeBk
