WILLIAMS — While people like to picture a winter wonderland as depicted in the photo above after a winter storm, they forget about the icy roads and walkways.
We would like to remind everyone to take care while driving and walking in our picturesque, snowy setting. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about freezing temperatures overnight. Ice could be a problem tomorrow, as well.
Bill Williams socked in by fog this morning.
WILLIAMS — According to the weather report from Channel 3 news in Phoenix, Williams received three-inches of snow with Flagstaff receiving 4.5-inches.
While Williams received only a dusting overnight, snow began to fall at about 8:45 a.m. and has been falling steadily as of this writing.
Webcams around our area do show the impact of the storm that moved in Monday. The first image shows a view of the central campus. The camera view from the Weather Service in Bellmont shows a view of the San Francisco Peaks and the ADOT cam shows a view of I-40 around milepost 190. No significant snow fall appears at the Grand Canyon. These images are all from about 9 a.m. this morning.
Travel from Williams to Flagstaff may be hampered by snow and ice. A winter storm warning has been issued until midnight tonight. This means, of course, ice and we advise taking your time on I-40 and around Flagstaff.
Weather will shut down Zipline until Thursday.
As we published this article, the rain began at 10:24 a.m.
Rain is likely today turning into snow showers overnight. Snow levels are expected to drop to 5500′ overnight and up to 2-inch could fall on Williams. Up to an inch more could fall on Wednesday. The overall expected snow fall is 1 to 3-inches above 6000-feet and 3 to 6-inches above 6800-feet.
The Weather Service has issued a wind advisory through tonight which could affect high-profile vehicles driving east-west routes. The Weather Service recommends securing loose objects on your property.
WILLIAMS — I see by the old calendar on the wall that it looks like we could have rain over Columbus day next week.
The long-range forecast shows a chance of rain moving in Wednesday night through Sunday. There will be a slight chance of rain for most of the later week except for the 30% chance Thursday. Flagstaff has a 40% chance on Thursday night.
The current long-range forecast runs through Sunday, so it is is unclear if rain will be a problem over Columbus Day next week, according to my calendar.
I must remember to wish the Canadians a Happy Thanksgiving next week.
WILLIAMS — Severe thunderstorms are possible today and tomorrow easing up on Wednesday. Temperatures in Flagstaff and Williams should return to the lower 70s on Thursday.
Today there is a 100% chance of a severe thunderstorm dropping to 50% tomorrow during the day to 40% Tuesday night. On Wednesday the chance of rain drops to 10% clearing overnight on Wednesday. High winds are expected through Tuesday night.
The temperatures are expected to rise again to the lower 70s through the weekend in time for the Pumpkin Patch Train ride and the Owly, Howly, Growly fun at Bearizona.
WILLIAMS — The Grand Canyon Railway rolls to the secret pumpkin patch starting this weekend and running every weekend through October. The event includes some spooky fun at the terminal on Grand Canyon Boulevard.
The long-range weather forecast currently shows sunny weather for the event on Friday and Saturday with a slight chance of thunderstorms on Sunday. Highs will range from 82 to the upper 70s throughout the week. Highs Saturday and Sunday are expected to be around 78.
There are only eight-days for the Pumpkin Patch Event through October. The dates are the 3, 4 (this weekend), 9, 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18. Departure times are 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets for the Pumpkin Patch train event are $23 for adults and $18 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the Grand Canyon Railway web site.
WILLIAMS — Do not forget to come out to Williams Clean and Beautiful campaign at the Williams-Kaibab Visitor Center parking lot tomorrow. The clean-up will start at 9 a.m. and run until noon. The American Legion Cordova Post No. 13 will be hosting the barbecue at that time.
The weather will be clear tomorrow through Sunday night. There is a chance of showers Sunday night increasing to 40% Monday afternoon to 50% over Monday night. Thundershowers are likely from Tuesday afternoon to midnight Tuesday.
The chance of showers continues through Wednesday but is expected to clear up to sunny days Thursday and Friday, according to the long-range forecast.
WILLIAMS — Williams received the dose of wet weather it was promised though it looked like we might have a clear day during the morning. The rain started about 2 p.m. and is continuing on through the afternoon.
Thunder and lightning has been light, so far. Thunderstorms are expected to continue through Wednesday night, as of the latest long-range forecast. The long-range forecast also predicts clear and warm weather through next weekend as fall colors are forming in the trees and bushes.
WILLIAMS — Clouds rolled in yesterday appearing ready to douse Williams with yet another monsoon rain. A few thunder-claps could be heard in the distance and a few raindrops fell, but it fell silent.
It was predicted to be clear through Saturday night, but it appears now that there is a slight chance of rain Saturday beginning in the afternoon.
Sunday and Monday there is a 50% chance of rain. This could produce heavy rains and lightning.
The extended forecast shows a possibility of rain through Thursday of next week.
WILLIAMS — Seems that the monsoon season won’t give up as Williams, Flagstaff and the surrounding areas continue to receive thunderstorms. The weather is expected to clear up Friday and Saturday for at least a portion of the Brown’s Carnival event in Williams on Railroad Avenue.
Rain hit hard Monday and this afternoon beginning about 1:30 p.m. and running for more than an hour. The chance of continued thunderstorms runs about 20% for Flagstaff and Williams through tomorrow. It is expected to clear Friday through Saturday during the day. The chance of thunderstorms picks up again Saturday night and on to the beginning of next week.
The last two storms brought more rain that the storm of last week, but much less thunder and lightning.
Trees in Williams, however, are starting to show the strains of fall which begins “officially” on September 23. The aspens and oaks along South Road, the road to Dogtown, FR-111 to Bill Williams Mountain and other areas of the forest will start turning soon providing great photo ops for fans of autumn.