Weather system brings snow to Flagstaff, windy conditions to Arizona

PHOENIX — It wasn’t looking a whole lot like spring in the Flagstaff area on Monday.

The northern Arizona town began its week with snow showers and temperatures in the mid-30s despite the National Weather Service calling for a high near 50 degrees.

Walked into the movies with a dusting of snow. Came out to nearly 3" on elevated surfaces. Just another April day in Flagstaff! #azwx

— Cory Mottice (@EverythingWX) April 16, 2016

Very large graupel in Flagstaff with plenty of thunder! #azwx pic.twitter.com/u6uc1w2Vur

— Cory Mottice (@EverythingWX) April 25, 2016

The snow conditions affected some highways. The Arizona Department of Transportation encouraged drivers to delay travel plans until the snow had moved on.

At 1:00pm MST: Scattered heavy snow showers from Williams to Flagstaff. I-40 and Highway 89 impacted. #azwx pic.twitter.com/X16TflRt27

— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) April 25, 2016

A low-pressure system over the state brought more than the white stuff, however. It created windy conditions statewide.

A wind advisory was in effect until 8 p.m. for the Flagstaff area. The weather service said winds would blow between 25 and 35 mph, while gusts could reach speeds of 55 mph.

An advisory was also issued for the Phoenix area, though it was in effect until 10 p.m. The weather service expected similar conditions as Flagstaff, albeit without snow and the wind speeds slightly lower.

The wind certainly caused problems on Arizona highways. While large vehicles were at risk of being pushed all over the road, some drivers were blinded by blowing dust and crashed.

W/B I-10 MP 377. Blowing dust in the area of collision. Be aware and be safe! #pullasidestayalive. #DPSNEWS pic.twitter.com/aTVPBlFdz0

— Quentin Mehr, PIO (@dps_pio_mehr) April 25, 2016

The crash above closed westbound Interstate 10 at mile 367, ADOT said. Traffic was rerouted onto local roads to rejoin the highway.

The winds also prompted the weather service to issue a red flag warning for fire danger. The state is currently fairly dry and a wind-driven wildfire is a possibility.

A small fire was reported near Prescott.

Hotshots & others on 50 acre fire burning in Castle Creek Wilderness near Cleator north of the Valley. No homes threatened. @AZMorningNews

— Jim Cross (@Crossfire923) April 25, 2016

.@PrescottNF says 50 acre Cleator Fire north of Phx no threat to homes. Burning in rugged wilderness. Wind could be an issue.@AZMorningNews

— Jim Cross (@Crossfire923) April 25, 2016

Monday may not be the last time this week Arizona sees some cooler weather. Another system is expected to move into the state on Thursday.

Related

Phoenix Art Museum receives $5M gift for Asian art expansionTroy Jackson tells Susan Collins to ‘shut up’ during heated Maine Senate debateWhite powder envelope prompts hazmat response at Arizona Secretary of State’s officeArizona gets $28.4M federal grant to help crime victimsSeveral brands set up shop in Arizona exclusively at Scottsdale Fashion SquareA New York City college student died after being drugged and raped in her dorm, prosecutors say