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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Heavy snow forced the closure of schools, government offices in northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon's visitor centers Monday while rain fell in the state's desert terrain.
Areas above 6,000 feet in elevation around Flagstaff and the Mogollon Rim were expected to get between 4 and 10 inches of snow, with higher amounts above 8,500 feet. Travel on major interstates was slow, with one northbound lane of Interstate 17 just south of Flagstaff closed briefly after several vehicles slid off the roadway.
Authorities urged motorists to be cautious and delay travel if possible.
Many areas already were soaked with rain or blanketed with snow from the weekend.
Closures and early dismissals Monday included the city of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Northern Arizona University, Head Start programs on the Navajo Nation and schools in Prescott. Ranger programs at the Grand Canyon were canceled, as was the handful of visitor centers at the national park.
The Flagstaff Unified School District canceled classes for Tuesday because of road conditions.
The heaviest snowfall ended midafternoon Monday. But scattered snow and rain showers were expected to linger through Wednesday morning when the storm moves out completely and the weather warms up slightly, the National Weather Service said.
Farther south, rain was creating problems Monday.
Some people in homes along Oak Creek near Sedona couldn't leave or return after low-water crossings became flooded, said Robert Rowley, director of emergency management for Coconino County. Sandbags were available for residents of other areas on the outskirts of Flagstaff that had street flooding, he said.
Northeast of Cave Creek, a man tried to cross an area of rising water along the Verde River, but he abandoned his vehicle and called authorities for help, Yavapai County sheriff's spokesman Dwight D'Evelyn said. The man was soaked but otherwise OK, he said.
A flash-flood watch issued early Monday for the Phoenix area in south-central Arizona and low-lying areas of southwestern Arizona was canceled later in the day. Snow was forecast for southeastern Arizona mountains.
Firefighters in Pima County, who responded to vehicle accidents just north of Tucson, reminded drivers to slow down when driving in the rain.
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