Storms blow through Phoenix, Flagstaff areas, knocking out power, blocking roads

PHOENIX — Over 2,000 people in the Phoenix area endured a cold, dark start to Wednesday after a winter storm took out their power.

Rain is moving out of the Phoenix area. Will finally see a bit of sunshine this morning before clouds return. #azwx pic.twitter.com/Fx22CIwglI

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) January 6, 2016

Chandler was hit the hardest, with 2,224 SRP customers in the area around 16th Street and Chandler Boulevard losing power.

Up north, schools were closed and drivers in the area were faced with tough road conditions and closures after overnight storms buried Flagstaff in 10 inches of snow.

We're seeing lots of snow & difficult driving conditions on I-17 south of #Flagstaff. #azwx pic.twitter.com/TqgZwFzBql

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) January 6, 2016

By 11 a.m., three more inches had fallen, pushing the total over 1½ feet.

School officials called off classes because of the difficult road conditions, uttering the phrase that children in Phoenix wish they could hear — snow day, schools closed.

Transportation authorities closed State Route 179 north of Sedona because of heavy snow for several hours. Other roads were open but covered in snow and ice.

Webcams are showing a lot of snow covered roads across northern Arizona this morning. Drive safe! #azwx pic.twitter.com/gZMGwZ3PUF

— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) January 6, 2016

@ArizonaDOT I-40 within #Flagstaff city limits is very icy and snow covered. Especially westbound after I-17 interchange. Stay off roads…

— Juan Carlos (@NOBRAKZ) January 6, 2016

The Arizona Department of Transportation said State Route 89A near Flagstaff was open but conditions were unfavorable, and State Route 87 near Clints Well was open but drivers should proceed with caution.

The National Weather Service said Phoenix would get more El Nino-powered rain Thursday.

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