FLAGSTAFF, AZ — Flagstaff spent Monday preparing for what turned into its first snowfall of the season.
While it may look like fall around town — beautiful yellow, red, and orange leaves starting to fall in the breeze — it feels like winter with temperatures expected to get down into the teens over the next couple of days.
The Department of Public Works said Monday it is fine-tuning street sweepers and snowplows ahead of the expected rain and snow event.
IT's SNOWING up north in the I-40 and I-17 corridors.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) October 12, 2021
Use extreme caution when roads are slick like this.
Check your route before you head out with the ADOT Alerts and AZ511 apps: https://t.co/MxTvyyEdpM#aztraffic #flagstaff #i17 pic.twitter.com/m6AgCqahaf
“This one’s got us a little more heightened,” said Scott Overton.
Scott Overton is the Director of Public Works for the City of Flagstaff. He says it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
“We know these early season storms can catch us off guard as well. So, here at Flagstaff, we’ve started dressing out some plow trucks and having some operators preparing for some response,” he added.
Zoe Rondeau is visiting from Tempe. She says she had no idea snow could come this early to Flagstaff. “
We were like... what? It’s going to snow in October? That’s so crazy so hopefully, we can see it,” said Rondeau.
Her boyfriend, Cameron Mack, says he’s been waiting for temperatures to drop for a while now.
“Oh my gosh. Like six... eight months at least. It’s a nice change of pace in the weather,” he told ABC15.
First snow of the season in Flagstaff 🌨
— Jorge Torres (@JorgeTWeather) October 12, 2021
📹: @abc15’s Luzdelia Caballero #azwx pic.twitter.com/EqobJeDLi3
Amelia Thomas is also visiting from the Valley. She says it feels nice to finally be able to bundle up.
“It’s actually nice to get to utilize my full wardrobe — my winter wardrobe,” said Thomas.
Evan and Cameron Franklin moved to Flagstaff in March. They say they’re ready for some snow. “We never lived in a place with a real winter, so that’ll be really fun,” said Evan.
Overton with Flagstaff Public Works says, should it snow in Flagstaff, you should stay off the roads, but if you have to go out-- drive slowly and pay attention.
“Take some time. Use some extra caution, and just be aware of your surroundings and the change in weather conditions,” said Overton.
SNOW making roads slick up north, but should start to weaken by 8 a.m., according to the weather service.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) October 12, 2021
Check your route before you head out with the ADOT Alerts and AZ511 apps: https://t.co/MxTvyyEdpM#aztraffic #flagstaff #i17 https://t.co/mO1S3udwM0