Rain, snow and even hail hit Arizona on Presidents Day

PHOENIX — Metro Phoenix received heavy rain on Presidents Day, while northern Arizona continued to see heavy snowfall.

And, according to the National Weather Service, part of the Valley even saw some pea-sized hail.

A moderate chance of rain showers continued for the Phoenix area through early afternoon, with an expected chilly high of 55 degrees.

Flagstaff was expected to see snow showers throughout the morning with more snow forecasted for later in the week.

The northern city received 6.4 inches of snow Sunday, beating its previous record for the day of 4.8 inches in 1971.

“This is another El Nino situation this winter,” Randy Cerveny, professor of geographical sciences at Arizona State University, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.

“This time it’s actually paying off. We’re finally getting the storms moving into California, into Arizona.”

Cerveny said the precipitation Arizona has received this winter is good for alleviating drought conditions.

“This is good. I would imagine in the next few weeks we’re going to see our drought monitor … slowing ticking down more and more, getting us out of the drought conditions that we’ve seen in Arizona for the last couple years,” he said.

He said the rain and snow should also delay the fire season.

“I think it’s going to add a nice layer of moisture than any fire is going to have to overcome before it gets out of control,” he said.

1045 AM: Also receiving reports of small hail in North Scottsdale in the past 10 mins, with a stronger shower. This shower will move into Fountain Hills. Be on the lookout for some more small hail (up to pea size) in the next 30 mins. #azwx

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 18, 2019

10:45 AM Radar Update – Heaviest snow bands continue between Show Low and east of Sedona. Keep extra distance between your vehicles if you are traveling on the roads! Scattered snow showers will persist throughout today. #azwx pic.twitter.com/g8nR7XgehY

— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) February 18, 2019

905 AM: Scattered light showers continue from the Phoenix area and points south and east. Snow showers are likely affecting the Globe area currently. This should continue for the rest of this morning. #azwx pic.twitter.com/ZxAnPY8yc4

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 18, 2019

As the clouds lift, we're getting a view of the snow on the Superstitions! Send your photos to share@abc15.com #abc15wx #azwx pic.twitter.com/4Q7jZS4LYo

— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) February 18, 2019

NOW: Heavy rain in parts of the Valley. Adjust your driving habits accordingly. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/cHltWF7XVj

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 18, 2019

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report. 

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