Arizonans should brace themselves for another burst of winter weather, as snowstorms and freezing winds are set to sweep across the state Wednesday night into Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has warned that wind gusts could reach a howling 70 mph near Springerville and Alpine, while other areas like Show Low and Heber-Overgaard may see gusts around 50-55 mph. Even Flagstaff and Sedona are expecting blustery conditions with gusts between 25-35 mph, as reported by 12 News.
These powerful winds have the potential to easily cause power outages and to uncontrollably blow around unsecured items. The snow is forecasted to begin late Wednesday night and continue well into Thursday morning, bringing 6-8 inches to Springerville and Alpine, and another 3-4 inches to Flagstaff. The National Weather Service is preparing communities for accumulating snow down to 3,500 feet, with the most intense periods expected Thursday morning into the afternoon.
With hazardous driving conditions on the horizon, it is strongly suggested to pack a supply kit if one must travel during the storm. The Arizona Department of Transportation gears up for such events, fielding up to 200 plows and 400 operators on the highways during a storm. Local roads fall under the care of the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. Coconino County Department of Emergency Management Deputy Director Tim Carter emphasized the ongoing preparedness, telling 12News, "Storm preparations start really months and months ago."
Meanwhile, a blast of chill has already been affecting the state, with Wednesday marking the third consecutive day of freezes in the Valley, with temperatures plummeting into the 20s and 30s. Citizens are reminded to keep the '4 p's' – plants, pipes, pets, and people – in mind, covering sensitive plants and wrapping exposed pipes to prevent them from bursting. ABC15 has stressed the importance of bringing pets indoors and bundling up, as the next winter storm on Thursday will bring more than just Valley rain and high country snow. According to a statement obtained by ABC15, Valley gusts could hit 35 to 40 mph, with northern Arizona potentially topping that at 40 mph, making for reduced visibility and blowing snow. Some snow showers might persist through the weekend in northern Arizona but the Valley is expected to dry out by Friday.
