Spring snowfall expected in northern Arizona; Prescott to likely see rain

Lynx Lake is blanketed in snow Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, in the Prescott National Forest.  (Les Stukenberg/Courier)

Lynx Lake is blanketed in snow Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, in the Prescott National Forest. (Les Stukenberg/Courier)

FLAGSTAFF — Authorities are advising travelers and commuters using roads and highways of higher elevations of northern Arizona to be prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions through Thursday morning due to a late-season snowstorm.

But Meteorologist Megan Taylor from the National Weather Service in Flagstaff said the Prescott area will likely see less than an inch of rain between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday.

The heaviest snow fall is expected late Wednesday night through Thursday morning for elevations above 6,500 feet, while the Arizona Department of Transportation says "challenging driving conditions" are likely during the Thursday morning commute.

The department says up to 4 inches of snow are expected in Flagstaff, likely affecting travel on Interstates 40 and 17 and U.S. 89. Snow is also expected along State Route 260 between Payson and Heber.

The department advises drivers to slow down and to consider delaying travel until plows have cleared highways.

Prescott residents can expect cooler than normal temperatures as well through Thursday, Taylor said.

"It's quite cool for this time of year," Taylor said, adding it will be a bit breezy with wind gusts up to 20 to 30 mph.

"We're not expecting anything too strong," Taylor said.

For more information, visit weather.gov/fgz.


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