Tucson, Arizona – Travel across southern Arizona’s mountain communities is expected to become hazardous beginning this afternoon as a two-part winter storm brings accumulating snow, falling snow levels, and difficult driving conditions through Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from late Wednesday morning through late Thursday for the Catalina and Rincon Mountains, the Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains, and the White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee counties. The first wave of precipitation arrives this afternoon and evening, with snow levels around 7,000 to 7,500 feet. Despite heavier moisture, snowfall totals during this phase are expected to range from 2 to 6 inches.
A colder second system moves in Thursday, lowering snow levels to near 5,000 feet by Thursday evening and producing more efficient snowfall. Additional accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are expected above 6,000 feet, pushing storm totals to 8 to 12 inches above 8,000 feet, with locally higher amounts at mountain peaks.
Areas including Mount Lemmon, Summerhaven, Hannagan Meadow, and Mount Graham could see snow-covered roads and reduced visibility, especially during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Gusty winds may further complicate travel on exposed mountain roads.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary mountain travel, slow down on slick roads, and carry winter supplies if travel is unavoidable. Conditions are expected to improve late Thursday night, though additional advisories may follow. Travelers should monitor az511.gov for the latest road updates.
