The fast-moving storm that brought snow and showers across areas in northern and central Arizona on Tuesday was expected to taper off by evening, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Derek Hodges.

Though another system is likely to arrive by the beginning of next week, bringing temperatures back down, Tuesday’s system could be the last of the truly coldweather hitting the Valley this season.

“Statistically,” Hodges said, “it’s pretty unlikely there will be anything else.”

Snow fell as low as 3,500 feet in places in Gila County, with some people seeing anywhere “from a dusting to an inch or so,” Hodges said.

As the system moves out Tuesday night, temperatures are expected to rise with highs reaching around 85 degrees in the Valley by the start of the weekend, Hodges explained. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation released several snowy condition advisories for northern Arizona throughout the early morning hours Tuesday, even recommending that only chained and four-wheel drive vehicles drive on State Route 260 between Heber and Payson.

According to Weather Service meteorologist Tim Steffen, the same system brought as much as 2 to 4 inches of snow in the Flagstaff area.

Drivers in northern Arizona should be aware that temperatures are expected to fall below freezing Tuesday night which can cause slick roadway conditions until roads begin to warm up Wednesday morning.

After the system moves out towards New Mexico temperatures will rise, peaking on Friday at around 57 degrees in Flagstaff, Steffen said,

Reach breaking news reporter Miguel Torres at [email protected] or on Twitter @MTorresTweet.

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