Heavy snowfall in northern Arizona has led to the closure of major interstates and flight delays in Phoenix. The region, particularly around Flagstaff, saw over 2 feet of snowfall, and more is expected in the coming days. The treacherous road conditions forced partial closures of Interstates 40 and 17, causing disruptions for travelers. Despite these challenges, some residents are taking the snowy weather in stride and enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape.
One trucker, Dennis Fritsch, who was enroute from Georgia to Nevada, had to take a break at a truck stop in Bellemont, Arizona, as he anticipated that the road would be shut down due to the worsening weather. Fritsch described the situation as 'pretty brutal.' However, longtime Bellemont resident Rick Schuler took a more positive outlook, clearing driveways and playing with his dog in the deep snow.
Schools in the area, including Northern Arizona University, declared snow days due to the extreme weather conditions. Meanwhile, in the southern parts of the state, desert regions experienced rain. Low cloud ceilings briefly halted all flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, causing delays for over 100 flights.
The adverse weather also affected the Phoenix Open golf tournament, where rain disrupted the first-round play. However, in California, the skies cleared up after days of storms, bringing relief after power outages, flooding, and destructive mudslides. The Sierra Nevada and Mammoth Mountain received fresh snowfall, delighting skiers and snowboarders. Additionally, an area called Snow Valley in the San Bernardino Mountains received significant snowfall, even burying an eagle named Jackie.
In downtown Los Angeles, the rainfall over the past five days surpassed 9 inches, which is over half of its annual average rainfall. Other parts of the city received more than a foot of rainfall, causing widespread flooding. Unfortunately, the risk of avalanches in the San Gabriel Mountains has hindered the search for a missing hiker. Mount Baldy, where the hiker disappeared, is known for its treacherous winter conditions.
The extraordinary winter precipitation in California began with a powerful storm off the coast that brought in an atmospheric river. Northern California experienced intense winds, while the moisture from the storm resulted in heavy rainfall in the southern parts of the state. The storms also caused a weak tornado near Grover Beach in San Luis Obispo County. The severe weather has led to nine storm-related deaths so far, not including the tragic crash of a military helicopter that claimed the lives of five Marines.
Furthermore, the storms triggered numerous mudslides, with over 500 reported in Los Angeles alone. Many buildings have been deemed uninhabitable, and others have been yellow-tagged, meaning residents can only retrieve belongings but cannot stay. The saturated soils increase the risk of landslides, posing ongoing threats to the affected areas.
It is essential for residents in these regions to stay informed about weather conditions and heed any warnings or advisories from local authorities. Travelers should also check for road and flight updates before venturing out. While the snow and rain have brought challenging circumstances, it is important to appreciate the beauty of the winter landscape while ensuring everyone's safety.
