Storms to leave Havasu today

The National Weather Service extended a winter storm warning issued Wednesday for most of northern Arizona into this afternoon.

However, in the Lake Havasu City area, the second of two storms that swept through the region over the Christmas holiday was expected to move East by early today, leaving a cold north wind in its place.

The extended storm warning applies to the Grand Canyon country, eastern Mohave County, Yavapai and Coconino counties and cities that include Seligman, Ash Fork, Williams, Flagstaff, Prescott and Sedona.

A warm air system from Southern California preceded the cold front Wednesday night and Thursday morning, pushing snow levels higher and decreasing snow shower activity.

The colder system, coming down through central Nevada, was expected to hit the area late Thursday, resulting in moderate to heavy snow showers. Snow levels were expected to drop as low as 2,500 feet, though without meaningful accumulations below 5,000 feet.

As much as 6 inches of new snow had fallen in Flagstaff from the first storm by 11 a.m. Thursday, and another 6 inches was anticipated last night and into today from the second system.

Elsewhere, snow accumulations from the second system were expected to range from 4-7 inches at the 6,000-7,000 feet and from 6-12 inches above 7,000 feet.

The weather service also forecast southwest winds of 25-35 mph with higher gusts over the region, continuing through the night Friday. Because of the winds, the service warned of significant blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions possible.

The first storm brought heavy rains to Phoenix Thursday, and rain was expected to continue into today. In addition, up to 3 inches of snow was forecast above 3,500 feet in southern Gila County and several inches are expected in the Globe and Miami area.

Meteorologists in Tucson said the second storm would bring heavy snow to areas above 5,000 feet through Friday afternoon.

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