Rain sets new record in Phoenix, snow hits Arizona’s high country
Jan 2, 2023, 2:00 PM | Updated: 2:16 pm
PHOENIX — A powerful winter storm started the new year off in Arizona, with heavy snow in the high country and record-setting rain in the Valley.
After closing out the day with .43 inches of total rain recorded at Sky Harbor Airport by 9 p.m., a 117-year-old daily record was set on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
The last daily record was .22 inches of total rain in 1906, NWS said.
North of Phoenix, numerous road closures were announced as inches of snow fell.
Snowbowl near Flagstaff reported 21 inches of new snow, Flagstaff Airport recorded 11.2 inches and Bellemont received 9.8 inches.
Flagstaff Airport has recorded 35.3 inches of total snow this season, about 6.4 inches above average, NWS said.
Most roads affected by winter weather conditions have reopened, although State Route 64 between mileposts 242 and 269 in the Grand Canyon National Park remained closed Monday afternoon, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Drivers and travelers should take precaution, as more winter weather is in the forecast for Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
Chances for showers in the evening were at 40% before picking up to 50% on Tuesday, according to NWS.
More lingering snow was expected to hit higher terrain (above 4,500 feet) in the afternoon and on Tuesday morning.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this story.
