FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona is getting an early taste of winter weather, with snow falling in Flagstaff and making roads and highways slippery.
The National Weather Service said the Flagstaff Airport had 4.5 inches of snow by 5 a.m. on Wednesday, with 6 inches in Kachina Village and 5 inches in Mountainaire.
Meteorologist Cory Mottice expects Flagstaff to set a record for snowfall today.
“Only three other Nov. 4 days in history have seen measurable snowfall, so this is only the fourth time," said Mottice. "The daily record is 5 inches, so it’s a pretty safe bet to say we’re gonna break that daily record."
Mottice said the snow will begin tapering off by tonight around midnight, with just a few lingering snow showers with this storm in the Flagstaff area.
Arizona Department of Transportation crews report snow along Interstates 17 and 40 south and east of Flagstaff early Wednesday. Heavy rain is dropping in lower elevations, including along Interstate 17 in central Arizona on Interstate 10 in southeastern Arizona.
Forecasters say snow showers will increase through Wednesday evening, with the heaviest snowfall expected in the afternoon and evening.
The Flagstaff school district has delayed the start of schools. Flagstaff is expected to get 4 to 8 inches of snow.
Forecasters say snow accumulations are expected to generally range from 1 to 6 inches depending on location, but with up to a foot or more on the highest mountain peaks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.