A major winter storm is making its way through Arizona, bringing record-setting snowfall in the high country, rain in the Valley, and cold temperatures.
Friday is another ABC15 Weather Action Day, so we're continuing to bring you team weather coverage throughout the storm.
Officials are expecting big travel troubles due to weather to continue on Friday, so be careful if you're on the roads. You can check current traffic conditions here.
Several schools have announced closures in northern Arizona Thursday and Friday. Click here for that updated list.
Track live updates as the storm moves through the state:
10:40 p.m., Friday. February 22:
Coldest February 22nd ever recorded in #Phoenix!
— Amber Sullins (@AmberSullins) February 23, 2019
But, this is even more telling - we've only broken 2 record cold highs in the last four years. In that same time, we've set 50 record warm highs! 50! #climatematters #climatechange @climatecentral #abc15wx #azwx #phoenix pic.twitter.com/ByjW8UhsJL
8:39 p.m., Friday, February 22:
This month, we've received 1.79 inches of rain at Sky Harbor. 72% of that came from this most recent storm. #azwx pic.twitter.com/GxsJHM1qGN
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 23, 2019
8:37 p.m., Friday, February 22:
What a view! The Air Unit got a little taste of the snowy weather today in #fountainhills AZ #snowmaggedon #mesaaz #LawEnforcement pic.twitter.com/OSBGT2nDOX
— Mesa Police Dept. (@MesaPD) February 23, 2019
7:23 p.m., Friday, February 22:
RED CROSS HAS OPEN SHELTERS @ PAYSON H.S. GYMNASIUM & @ PINE FIRE STATION #41. Cochise County has warming centers open at St. Andrew’s Church in Sierra Vista & @ Douglas Fire Station 41. We continue to work w/our emergency Mgt. partners. ☑️ 4 updates at https://t.co/dki7QvUP4l
— Red Cross AZ, NM, El Paso TX (@AmRedCrossSW) February 23, 2019
6:30 p.m., Friday February 22:
The Santa Cruz Wash is running with water. Pay attention and avoid the Hartmann crossing, south of Sorrento.
— Maricopa Police Dept. (@MPDPIO) February 23, 2019
Turn around, don't drown!#CopaTraffic #PHXtraffic
6:26 p.m., Friday, February 22:
US 60 WB/EB: Highway is CLOSED between Superior and Miami due to weather and unsafe driving conditions. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/vVXIp171Qw
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 23, 2019
6:13 p.m., Friday, February 22:
Coldest February 22nd ever recorded in #Phoenix.
— Amber Sullins (@AmberSullins) February 23, 2019
Our high was only 47 degrees... 47 DEGREES!!! 25° below normal.
Previous, record cold high was 54 and that was 122 years ago! #abc15wx #azwx pic.twitter.com/gIfpOXWCMv
5:58 p.m., Friday, February 22:
If you encounter high water, or running water, do NOT attempt to cross it. You have no way of knowing the condition of the road under the water. It could have washed away, or washed big potholes in the road surface.
— Maricopa Police Dept. (@MPDPIO) February 23, 2019
Turn Around, Don't Drown!#CopaTraffic #PHXtraffic https://t.co/Mf6ovchOrQ
4:42 p.m., Friday, February 22:
“BREAKING NEWS”
— Tucson Police Dept (@Tucson_Police) February 22, 2019
Tucson PD Investigating Suspicious White Powdery Substance.
We now have some answers. Thank you for your patience. See video for details. pic.twitter.com/LFg6WcGY1K
4:25 p.m., Friday, February 22:
Last band of rain is moving through the valley. Watch for hail/graupel on your commute home! Keep yourself safe and stay out of washes/creeks/rivers! #azwx pic.twitter.com/qoJ6ER7h3B
— FCDMC Flood Info (@FCDFloodInfo) February 22, 2019
4:14 p.m., Friday, February 22:
4:14 p.m., Friday, February 22:
Currently in Queen Creek. pic.twitter.com/r200ggDZAN
— Shane Dale (@ShaneDaleABC15) February 22, 2019
3:50 p.m., Friday, February 22:
3:50 p.m., Friday, February 22:
More snowfall records in jeopardy!
— Amber Sullins (@AmberSullins) February 22, 2019
Flagstaff broke yesterday's daily record and the record for the most snow ever in a day.
Now, this storm is #3 for the snowiest 2-day storm ever. #2 is 42.3" from Dec of 1967. We could break that by the end of the day. #abc15wx pic.twitter.com/cqkHMFj9JH
1:27 p.m., Friday, February 22:
1:27 p.m., Friday, February 22:
Latest radar. Showers will dump small hail. #azwx pic.twitter.com/RIYMg0uFS6
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 22, 2019
1:17 p.m., Friday, February 22:
Snow in Scottsdale? This dude has the scoop! Only on @abc15 pic.twitter.com/ZLj4rFYYDr
— PhotogKaran (@KaranDeardorff) February 22, 2019
1:09 p.m., Friday, February 22:
12:36 p.m., Friday, February 22:
12:36 p.m., Friday, February 22:
Snow? What snow? Photo courtesy of Trooper Tiffany Harold of the Payson squad. She says most of her squad mates spent two hours or more digging their cars out. pic.twitter.com/LFWczFOXwF
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) February 22, 2019
10:57 a.m., Friday, February 22:
The Tucson International Airport has received 1.5" of snow with this event! #azwx pic.twitter.com/jZk4RnXXoM
— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) February 22, 2019
10:51 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22:
10:51 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22:
Our washes are running due to heavy rain. Don't drive through standing water. #TurnAroundDontDrown pic.twitter.com/6pEh2iibEZ
— ScottsdalePD (@ScottsdalePD) February 22, 2019
10:50 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22:
10:50 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22:
Even @Arizona_DPS State Troopers can’t go places. Please stay off snow covered highways. We can’t get to you under these conditions. pic.twitter.com/8TF35OuQ8i
— Col. Frank Milstead (@frank_milstead) February 22, 2019
10:49 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22:
10:49 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22:
10:49 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22:
Let the dig out begin! #azwx #abc15wx pic.twitter.com/f69nCDOxu2
— John Patrick (@JohnPatrickWX) February 22, 2019
10:48 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22:
10:48 a.m., Friday, Feb. 22:
This is really happening! 😱 Due to hazardous road conditions caused by SNOW ❄️, trash & recycling pickup will not occur today in areas north & south of Happy Valley Road, east of Pima Road. We want to keep things safe & will return Saturday, Feb. 23, to collect the missed areas. pic.twitter.com/14Skeq9amb
— City of Scottsdale (@scottsdaleazgov) February 22, 2019
9:30 a.m. Friday, February 22:
9:30 a.m. Friday, February 22:
And you thought it was just sunshine in Arizona. Tucson, of all places, gets a blanket of snow this morning. #abc15 pic.twitter.com/P0B1QV4Vx0
— Justin Pazera (@justinpazera) February 22, 2019
9:00 a.m. Friday, February 22:
9:00 a.m. Friday, February 22:
9:00 a.m. Friday, February 22:
Here’s a look at SR-82 in Cochise County near Huachuca City. Southern AZ highways will be impacted today; delay travel. If you must go, drive slow in rain and snow! Ya, we did that on purpose! pic.twitter.com/cvqDCIavzF
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) February 22, 2019
8:30 a.m. Friday, February 22:
8:30 a.m. Friday, February 22:
8:30 a.m. Friday, February 22:
Be careful out there! We desert dwellers are often challenged driving in the rain, even though many of us moved here from cooler states. Remember your roots and drive safely! #WeCareForYou pic.twitter.com/qbaqXSEtmV
— ScottsdaleFD (@ScottsdaleFire) February 22, 2019
7:53 a.m. Friday, February 22:
7:53 a.m. Friday, February 22:
7:53 a.m. Friday, February 22:
#BREAKING: The AIA has canceled high school state championship basketball games scheduled in Prescott Valley after backlash from parents over weather conditions: https://t.co/JEqHQg6n4Y #abc15 pic.twitter.com/3NnbDa2xbn
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) February 22, 2019
7:40 a.m. Friday, February 22:
7:40 a.m. Friday, February 22:
CURRENT CLOSURES: Updated at 7:30 a.m. There is no estimated time to reopen any highways, and additional closures are possible based on weather or crashes. We continue to advise against traveling in northern Arizona during this severe winter storm. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/ljOc2TTy0P
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
7:18 a.m. Friday, February 22:
Snow on US 60 at the Queen Creek tunnel just northeast of Superior. US 60 eastbound is closed from Superior to Globe. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/wxSxaxtgVE
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
7:13 a.m. Friday, February 22:
NEW CLOSURE: US 60 from Globe to Miami. Our crews report 8 inches of snow on the road. No estimated time to reopen. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/g5BoETn92I
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
7:05 a.m. Friday, February 22:
7:05 a.m. Friday, February 22:
Short girl versus piles of snow! My 67 inches of height making way through 38.9 inches of snow that’s fallen in #Flagstaff since Wednesday! #abc15 #azwx #AZStormSquad pic.twitter.com/H9iaxZGfGf
— Megan Thompson (@MeganABC15) February 22, 2019
6:45 a.m. Friday, February 22:
6:45 a.m. Friday, February 22:
From 3 a.m. yesterday to 3 a.m. this morning, troopers in our 4 northern districts have received over 400 calls for stuck vehicles & slide-offs. They’ve also responded to 76 crashes. (These are approximate #’s)
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) February 22, 2019
6:30 a.m., Friday, February 22:
5:45 a.m., Friday, February 22:
I-40 and US 93 are open in the Kingman area, but expect snow and ice. Chains or 4x4 are recommended on I-40 and on US 93 roughly from Wikieup to I-40. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/o21OYwpSLY
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
5:45 a.m., Friday, February 22:
5:45 a.m., Friday, February 22:
4:45 a.m., Friday, February 22:
.@ArizonaDOT crews working hard early this morning in #Flagstaff to clear pathways on in parking lots and roadways. #abc15 #azwx #AZStormSquad pic.twitter.com/l8taurYc8R
— Megan Thompson (@MeganABC15) February 22, 2019
4:45 a.m., Friday, February 22:
4:45 a.m., Friday, February 22:
Traffic slow (or crawling) in spots right now, especially I-40 and southbound I-17. Northbound I-17 remains closed between SR 179 and Flagstaff. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/apBq6gxtNj
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
This is my first look outside my #Flagstaff window this morning. The snow is still falling and the city has now declared a state of emergency with the record amount of snowfall. @IrisABC15 will have an update ahead on #abc15 mornings starting at 4:30 a.m.! #AZStormSquad #azwx pic.twitter.com/ZqAhx1vzTk
— Megan Thompson (@MeganABC15) February 22, 2019
9:24 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for elevations above 3000 feet (pink area on map) We've also added a Winter Weather Advisory (less intense situation) for elevations between 2000-3000 feet (blue/purple area). Up to 2 inches in those areas but mostly less than 1. #azwx pic.twitter.com/asJLqFZyjU
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 22, 2019
9:11 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Snow level lowering to 1,500-2,000 feet overnight.
— Amber Sullins (@AmberSullins) February 22, 2019
Winter Weather Advisories now issued for parts of the #Phoenix metro, including Sun City West, Surprise, New River, Anthem, Carefree, Cave Creek and Fountain Hills.
An inch or two of snow is possible overnight. #abc15wx #azwx pic.twitter.com/iO5mtP26oc
8:54 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
8:38 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
8:38 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Additional streets closed due to flooded washes: -
— Apache Junction, AZ (@AJCityAZ) February 22, 2019
Delaware Dr north of Tepee Street
Tepee Street at Desert View Drive
Lost Dutchman, west of Goldfield
Scenic Street, east of Tomahawk Road
Junction Street, east of Tomahawk
4th Avenue, west of Tomahawk
8:38 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
8:13 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Roads are slick around the Valley too ... be prepared to slow down or stop. #phxtraffic #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/m65kzXas0O
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
8:13 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
8:13 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Current road conditions from around the high country. If you don't have to drive anywhere tonight, we urge you not to. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/olzu8esNb0
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
8:13 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
7:42 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
CLOSED: US 60 in both directions from SR 73 to Globe. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/EsFX251YIg
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
7:42 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
7:25 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Following streets are now closed due to flooding:
— AJ Police Department (@AJPoliceDept) February 22, 2019
-16th Avenue, west of Ironwood
-San Marcos at 12th Ave
-Delaware, south of Smoketree
Please take caution with the continuing rain and stay out of flooded areas. #ajtraffic
7:25 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
7:25 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
A couple hikers got stranded on the Peralta Trail today due to flash flooding. Thankfully, our Search and Rescue deputies were able to get them back to their vehicle safely.
— Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (@PinalCSO) February 22, 2019
Be safe out there Pinal County but if you ever need our help while out hiking, don't hesitate to call.
7:25 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
7:18 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
7:18 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
The @CityofFlagstaff has declared a State of Emergency as a result of the winter storm, which has brought a record-breaking amount of snowfall to the area. #abc15wx pic.twitter.com/exT5OXj6p5
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) February 22, 2019
7:18 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
5:50 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
ADOT #snowplows will be working through the night to clear the roads. This plow is on I-17 southbound, south of #Flagstaff. @DougNintzel pic.twitter.com/DfHEQO6SS7
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
5:50 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
5:27 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
5:27 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
5:22 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
SNOWIEST DAY EVER RECORDED IN #FLAGSTAFF!
— Amber Sullins (@AmberSullins) February 22, 2019
It's official!
Old record snowiest day was 31.0" on December 30, 1915. #abc15wx #awx pic.twitter.com/VLSrICx8h8
4:35 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
4:35 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Current highway closures for the western half of Arizona, including I-17:
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
- I-17 northbound at State Route 179 is closed due to winter weather.
- I-40 eastbound is also closed at SR 95. All traffic must head south on SR 95.
- SR 89A is closed between Sedona and Flagstaff. pic.twitter.com/Qmy2STEfoI
4:35 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Highway closures for the eastern half of Arizona:
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 22, 2019
- SR 87 is closed from Payson to Winslow. SR 87 is closed between Payson (mp 250) and SR 188 (mp 238).
- SR 260 is closed between Star Valley and Heber. SR 260 EB is closed east of I-17.
- US 60 closed btwn Superior and Globe. pic.twitter.com/pHtvcg0jRa
4:35 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
4:02 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Here is footage of an accident our crews responded to, caught via freeway camera at north bound I-17 at Daisy Mountain Drive. Thankfully no one was seriously injured. pic.twitter.com/UBTnETKsVV
— Daisy Mtn Fire & Medical (@DaisyMtnFire) February 21, 2019
3:13 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
2:25 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
For those wondering, snow is mainly falling above 3,000 feet. If you live below 3,000 feet, you probably witnessed a lot of graupel and hail accumulating. Keep sending those pictures! Thanks for the graphic @NWSVegas! pic.twitter.com/uxd2WfBlfI
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 21, 2019
2:25 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
2:25 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
I-17 NB: Highway CLOSED at SR 179, north of Camp Verde due to the winter storm. NB traffic will be diverted onto SR 179. Reminder - SR 89A is closed in Oak Creak Canyon,; motorists cannot access Flagstaff via SR 89A. We are still advising drivers not to travel today. #aztraffic pic.twitter.com/Eykw44U0Sv
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 21, 2019
2:25 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Here's a look at conditions on I-17 near where @ArizonaDOT closed the interstate to northbound traffic north of Camp Verde.
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) February 21, 2019
TRAFFIC: https://t.co/4au8mIkg6g #abc15wx pic.twitter.com/mgJRxeP8Uv
2:25 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
2:02 p.m. Thursday, February 21:
Nope I’m not in the Midwest today. This is Arizona. And North Scottsdale of all places where the snow continues to fall. ❄️🌵 pic.twitter.com/C7ravfdXQq
— John Trierweiler (@JohnTrierweiler) February 21, 2019
2:02 p.m. Thursday, February 21:
2:02 p.m. Thursday, February 21:
Heavy rain (primarily in central & eastern AZ) will continue through the evening before tapering off Fri morning. There will be embedded tstorms producing larger amounts of rainfall in addition to hail. Washes will continue to fill & cause hazardous driving conditions. #azwx pic.twitter.com/6BS4ZGV11Z
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) February 21, 2019
2:02 p.m. Thursday, February 21:
1:35 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
SHELTER UPDATE: The Red Cross has opened one at KINGMAN COMM. CNTR & at the PINE COMM. CNTR. There is NO shelter in Payson. We continue to closely monitor the need along w/ our emergency mgmt partners. Check https://t.co/isY4yq3fn1 for updates.” #AmRedCrossSW #RedCrossStrong pic.twitter.com/WiFd7VgfN4
— Red Cross AZ, NM, El Paso TX (@AmRedCrossSW) February 21, 2019
12:58 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
12:49 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
SR-89A at Oak Creek Canyon. @ArizonaDOT is closing 89A at Sedona. pic.twitter.com/irUKohHDhU
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) February 21, 2019
12:49 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
12:49 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Here’s SR-260 looking east at milepost 238. This is between Camp Verde and SR-87. pic.twitter.com/kvW9gg8BbF
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) February 21, 2019
12:37 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Reports of small hail covering the ground in spots like Waddell and near the loop 303 as this line of stronger storms moves in #abc15wx #azwx pic.twitter.com/ZZeJun0xYN
— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) February 21, 2019
12:37 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
12:27 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
NOW: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for northern parts of the Valley until 1:15pm today. LIVE RADAR: https://t.co/Pbl1vJYZrC #abc15 pic.twitter.com/TQ2UOjXFgB
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) February 21, 2019
12:00 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
12:27 p.m., Thursday, February 21:
Since 3 a.m. to noon today, troopers in our 4 northern districts have dealt with:
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) February 21, 2019
-152 calls for stuck vehicles and slide-offs
-28 non-injury & injury crashes. (mostly non-injury)
All hands are on-deck! Don't make the situation worse by traveling if not necessary.
11:40 a.m., Thursday, February 21:
#BREAKING: @IrisABC15 just confirmed it... we’ve broken a RECORD for snowfall at the #Flagstaff Airport with over 22 inches of snow since last night. The precious record was 10” back in 1944. #abc15 #azwz #AZStormSquad pic.twitter.com/e9LaEQNArz
— Megan Thompson (@MeganABC15) February 21, 2019
11:40 a.m., Thursday, February 21:
11:40 a.m., Thursday, February 21:
CLOSED: SR 89A just outside of Flagstaff, mileposts 387-398, because of winter weather. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/8RZAumysRl
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 21, 2019
11:40 a.m., Thursday, February 21:
11:02 a.m. Thursday, February 21:
11:38am: Stronger thunderstorm just north of the I-10, NW of Buckeye. It's tracking toward the E/NE and could produce some small hail #abc15wx #azwx pic.twitter.com/ocrImO8M6E
— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) February 21, 2019
11:02 a.m. Thursday, February 21:
10:55 a.m. Thursday, February 21:
If you are considering a trip to Flagstaff or across I-40 cancel it for now. I have attached a couple photos and this is just the beginning. pic.twitter.com/y83BZZFKH1
— Col. Frank Milstead (@frank_milstead) February 21, 2019
10:55 a.m. Thursday, February 21:
10:48 a.m. Thursday, February 21:
CLOSED: US 60 at milepost 234: Both directions are closed at Top of the World because of winter weather. No estimate to reopen. #aztraffic #azwx pic.twitter.com/YxAhfqp0Fh
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 21, 2019
10:48 a.m. Thursday, February 21:
10:45am Desert Doppler Radar: Band of moderate to heavy rain sweeping from west to east across the Valley, with areas of heavy snow in the high country #abc15wx #azwx pic.twitter.com/xZqAOBs8L3
— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) February 21, 2019
