Winter storm blows through Phoenix area, leaves snow in Flagstaff

PHOENIX — The skies opened over metro Phoenix and spilled out wind and rain Tuesday, as a winter storm hit in the night hours, leaving slippery roads, wet lawns and clean cars.

Up north, however, the storm left 3 inches of snow in Flagstaff for the city’s long-awaited first snowfall of winter. The start of school was delayed for a couple hours and Interstate 40 near Williams had to be closed briefly.

About 1.7 inches of snow has fallen in Bellemont as of 11 PM MST. Still snowing!! #azwx pic.twitter.com/tFHzleRYAw

— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) January 10, 2018

The National Weather Service reported Wednesday that 7 inches of snow had fallen in Bellemont, just outside of Flagstaff. The lack of snow had put a damper on ski-related business.

Arizona Snowbowl received about 14 inches of the white stuff.

Watch as our assistant GM, Rob, shows off today’s conditions. It sure is a rough job but someone has to do it! #powderday pic.twitter.com/gg7JCGO5y0

— Arizona Snowbowl (@AZSnowbowl) January 10, 2018

Down the hill in the Valley, the gauge at Phoenix Sky Harbor read 0.21 inches for the overnight total. It was the third time the Valley has had rain in just over 30 days.

Rain, lightning and thunder in midtown #Phx #AZWx pic.twitter.com/c4eK9HwORh

— Dolores (@wildfirediva) January 10, 2018

Wind also swept across Phoenix, its suburbs and surrounding area, some reaching 40 mph.

Gusts up to 50 mph whipped through Pinal and Gila counties.

A little more rain came and went early Wednesday. The high was forecast for 64 degrees.

Showers are winding down this morning but here is what we have so far! Not too shabby! #azwx pic.twitter.com/XfzcOa5jkO

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) January 10, 2018

The rest of the week was expected to be clear and warmer.

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