A winter storm warning is in effect until 5 p.m. Friday for the southeast Arizona mountains, with heavy snow expected.
Officials have closed the road to Mount Lemmon, except to residents and employees. Following the storm, road and safety crews will work to clear the road for people who want to go up and enjoy the snow.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department is recommending that people who go up the mountain once the road has reopened bring essential survival supplies such as food, water and warm clothes to be prepared for any sudden weather changes.
Weather officials predict 2 to 12 inches of snow above 3,500 feet, 12 to 24 inches above 5,000 feet and between 20 to 40 inches above 7,000 feet.
The storm warning will expand at 11 p.m. Thursday to include parts of Graham and Cochise counties, Oracle and the Chiricahua Mountains.
As well, rain is expected for southeast Arizona later Thursday morning and early afternoon.
At 7:40 am MST, widespread precipitation occurring across central and northern Arizona, with rain in Phoenix and snowfall in Payson, Prescott and Flagstaff. Precipitation will develop across southeast Arizona during the late morning and afternoon hours today. #azwx pic.twitter.com/LUYPUvrpgD
— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) February 21, 2019
High: 53
Low: 41
Photos: Snow around Tucson
Snow around Tucson
Updated
Snow on the northern range of the Santa Catalina Mountains backdrops a ridgeline of homes near Pusch Ridge, Feb. 19, 2019, in Oro Valley, Ariz.
Snow around Tucson
Updated
Snow on the southern edge of Pusch Ridge in the Santa Catalina Mountains as winds break up storm clouds on Feb. 19, 2019, in Oro Valley, Ariz.
Snow around Tucson
Updated
Snow clings to rocky outcrops near Finger Rock on the western range of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Feb. 19, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz.
Snow around Tucson
Updated
Finger Rock, still sporting a dusting of snow, shines bright as sunlight filters through clouds over the western range of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Feb. 19, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz.
Snow around Tucson
Updated
Snow on the northern range of the Santa Catalina Mountains backdrops a ridgeline of homes near Pusch Ridge, Feb. 19, 2019, in Oro Valley, Ariz.
Snow around Tucson
Updated
Snow hugs the northern face of Pusch Ridge on the western range of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Feb. 19, 2019, in Oro Valley, Ariz.
Snow around Tucson
Updated
Snow holds out through the midday sun on the northern side of the Santa Catalina Mountains as seen from Catalina State Park, Feb. 19, 2019, near Catalina, Ariz.
Snow around Tucson
Updated
Snow holds out through the midday sun on the northern side of the Santa Catalina Mountains as visitors head to visit Catalina State Park, Feb. 19, 2019, near Catalina, Ariz.
Snow around Tucson
Updated
Snow holds out through the midday sun on the northern side of the Santa Catalina Mountains as seen from Catalina State Park, Feb. 19, 2019, near Catalina, Ariz.
