Alert archive / Arizona / Winter Storm Warnings in 2019

Winter Storm Warning 2, NWS Tucson, AZ

February 20, 20196 counties in Arizona

NWS Tucson, AZ issued this winter storm warning at Feb 20, 2019, 3:38 AM MST for 6 counties in Arizona. It took effect at Feb 21, 2019, 5:00 AM MST. It was in force for 39 hr. 50 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Feb 20, 2019, 3:38 AM MST (10:38 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 21, 2019, 5:00 AM MST
Expired
Feb 22, 2019, 8:00 PM MST
In force
39 hr
Issued by
NWS Tucson, AZ

Counties Cochise County, AZ, Graham County, AZ, Greenlee County, AZ, Pima County, AZ, Pinal County, AZ, Santa Cruz County, AZ

The radar

The Tucson radar (KEMX), 61 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 10:38 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Feb 21, 5:30 PM MSTSNOW 3.8Summerhaven, AZ3.8 INCHES OF SNOWFALL REPORTED.
Feb 22, 7:37 AM MSTSNOW 1.319 Se Tucson, AZSTATION ELEVATION: 3583 FT.
Feb 22, 7:56 AM MSTSNOW 0.81 Nnw Oro Valley, AZSTATION ELEVATION: 2850 FT.
Feb 22, 8:14 AM MSTSNOW 320 E Green Valley, AZVISIBILITIES DOWN TO A 1/2 MILE. STATION ELEVATION: 4278 FT.
Feb 22, 8:25 AM MSTSNOW 158 Wsw Miami, AZPUBLIC REPORTS APPROXIMATELY 15 INCHES OF SNOW AT TOP OF THE WORLD BETWEEN GLOBE AND SUPERIOR. PICTURES SUPPORT AT LEAST A FOOT OF SNOW.
Feb 22, 8:26 AM MSTHEAVY SNOW 0.59 W Sierra Vista, AZSPOTTER RECEIVED 0.5 INCHES OF SNOW IN 45 MINUTES. SAID SNOW BEGAN AT 7:45AM. VISIBILITY ESTIMATED AT LESS THAN 0.25 MILES.
Feb 22, 8:28 AM MSTSNOW 1.5Catalina, AZSTATION ELEVATION: 3148 FT.
Feb 22, 8:29 AM MSTSNOW 0.56 Sse Green Valley, AZ
Feb 22, 8:32 AM MSTHEAVY SNOW 19.5Willow Canyon, AZ
Feb 22, 8:53 AM MSTHEAVY SNOW 2.514 Se Tucson, AZ
Feb 22, 8:54 AM MSTHEAVY SNOW 110 Wnw Tucson, AZSPOTTER AT GRANT AND SILVERBELL HAS RECORDED 1 INCH OF SNOW IN THE LAST 45 MINUTES.
Feb 22, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 33 W Superior, AZ3 INCHES OF SNOW REPORTED BY BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM STATE PARK EMPLOYEE.
Feb 22, 9:15 AM MSTSNOW 2.53 W Catalina, AZSNOW TOTAL SINCE 7AM.
Feb 22, 9:20 AM MSTHEAVY SNOW 3Catalina, AZ
Feb 22, 9:30 AM MSTSNOW 0.811 Wnw Tucson, AZ
Feb 22, 9:30 AM MSTSNOW 1.514 Ne Saint David, AZ
Feb 22, 9:30 AM MSTHEAVY SNOW 2.29 Se Tucson, AZSOCIAL MEDIA POST FROM PUBLIC MEASURING ROUGHLY 2.2 INCHES OF SNOW IN THE RITA RANCH AREA.
Feb 22, 9:48 AM MSTSNOW 210 Ssw Tucson, AZ
Feb 22, 10:00 AM MSTSNOW 1.39 Wnw Tucson, AZSNOW TOTAL SINCE 7AM.
Feb 22, 10:03 AM MSTSNOW 5.51 Wsw Oracle, AZ
Feb 22, 10:30 AM MSTHEAVY SNOW 14 Wsw Tucson, AZSOCIAL MEDIA POST MEASURING 1 INCH OF SNOW AT IRVINGTON AND PARK.
Feb 22, 10:30 AM MSTHEAVY SNOW 38 Sse Tucson, AZSOCIAL MEDIA POST MEASURING NEARLY 3 INCHES ON SOUTH KOLB ROAD.
Feb 22, 10:30 AM MSTSNOW 39 Se Tucson, AZ3 INCHES IN RITA RANCH.
Feb 22, 10:31 AM MSTSNOW 414 Se Tucson, AZ4 INCHES IN VAIL.
Feb 22, 10:33 AM MSTHEAVY SNOW 81 Ese Oracle, AZSOCIAL MEDIA POST MEASURING 8 INCHES OF SNOW IN ORACLE. SINCE THE POST, AN OFF DUTY NWS METEOROLOGIST MEASURED 10 INCHES IN ORACLE.
Feb 22, 10:36 AM MSTSNOW 1.56 Sw Tucson, AZREPORT FROM TUCSON AIRPORT ASOS.
Feb 22, 10:38 AM MSTSNOW 619 Se Tucson, AZSOUTHEAST VAIL. LOCATION APPROXIMATE. VIA TWITTER.
Feb 22, 10:45 AM MSTSNOW 1.5Tucson International Ai, AZ
Feb 22, 10:45 AM MSTSNOW 4Mescal, AZ
Feb 22, 10:45 AM MSTSNOW 7Patagonia, AZ6-8 INCHES OF SNOW IN PATAGONIA. TREE LIMBS BROKEN FROM HEAVY SNOW DOWNED POWER LINES CAUSING POWER OUTAGE. STATION ELEVATION: 4053 FT.
Feb 22, 10:58 AM MSTSNOW 1.37 Ene Tucson, AZ
Feb 22, 11:03 AM MSTSNOW 315 Se Tucson, AZLOCATION ESTIMATED, REPORT VIA TWITTER.
Feb 22, 11:26 AM MSTSNOW 102 E Oracle, AZ10 INCHES ORACLE STATE PARK.
Feb 22, 12:00 PM MSTSNOW 22 Sse Tucson, AZ2 INCH REPORT AT DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE VIA TWITTER.
Feb 22, 12:12 PM MSTSNOW 2.2Summerhaven, AZ2.2 INCHES SINE 8AM. STORM TOTAL 24 INCHES.
Feb 22, 12:25 PM MSTSNOW 21 Ssw Rio Rico, AZ2 INCHES AT RIO RICO.
Feb 22, 12:26 PM MSTSNOW 2.58 N Green Valley, AZPUBLIC REPORT VIA TWITTER.
Feb 22, 12:35 PM MSTSNOW 7.221 E Green Valley, AZ
Feb 22, 1:00 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 12Sonoita, AZ
Feb 22, 2:00 PM MSTSNOW 0.84 Wnw Tucson, AZNWS TUCSON OFFICE STORM TOTAL THROUGH 2 PM.
Feb 22, 2:00 PM MSTSNOW 1.9Tucson International Ai, AZSTORM TOTAL THROUGH 2 PM.
Feb 22, 2:10 PM MSTSNOW 4Whetstone, AZ
Feb 22, 2:10 PM MSTSNOW 5.5Corona De Tucson, AZ5.5 INCHES IN CORONA DE TUCSON.
Feb 22, 3:42 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 1121 E Green Valley, AZSTORM-TOTAL SNOWFALL AT MILEPOST 51 ON HIGHWAY 83.
Feb 22, 5:02 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 2145 N Morenci, AZSTORM-TOTAL SNOWFALL AT BEAVER HEAD SNOTEL.
Feb 22, 5:05 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 2540 N Morenci, AZHANNIGAN MEADOW SNOTEL STORM-TOTAL SNOWFALL.
Feb 22, 5:15 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 301 W Summerhaven, AZMT. LEMMON SNOW STAKE VISIBLE ON WEBCAM.
Feb 22, 5:34 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 8.811 W Huachuca City, AZELGIN STORM-TOTAL SNOWFALL.
Feb 22, 5:37 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 3.51 Nne Huachuca City, AZSTORM-TOTAL SNOWFALL.
Feb 22, 6:07 PM MSTHEAVY SNOW 9.511 Nne Patagonia, AZSONOITA STORM-TOTAL SNOWFALL.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Tuscon, AZ (KDMA), launched 00:00Z, 10.6 hours before the alert went out and 49 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Tuscon, AZ at 00:00Z on 2019-02-20Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Tuscon, AZ at 00:00Z on 2019-02-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 59 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
2 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-8 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
2186 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
46 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
59 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
83 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

009 
WWUS45 KTWC 201038
WSWTWC

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
338 AM MST Wed Feb 20 2019

...MAJOR WINTER STORM TO BRING SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL TO THE
MOUNTAINS OF SOUTHEAST ARIZONA THURSDAY AND FRIDAY...

AZZ510-511-513>515-210000-
/O.UPG.KTWC.WS.A.0001.190221T1800Z-190223T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190221T1200Z-190223T0000Z/
White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties-
Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains-
Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains-
Catalina and Rincon Mountains-Baboquivari Mountains-
Including the cities of Hannagan Meadow, Mount Graham, Bisbee, 
Canelo Hills, Mount Lemmon, and Summerhaven
338 AM MST Wed Feb 20 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM THURSDAY TO 5 PM MST
FRIDAY ABOVE 5000 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Travel will be very
  difficult to impossible. Tree branches could fall as well. Total
  snow accumulations of 12 to 24 inches between 5000 feet and 7000
  feet and 24 to 40 inches with localized amounts up to 46 inches
  above 7000 feet.

* WHERE...White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties, 
  Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains, Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca 
  and Santa Rita Mountains, Catalina and Rincon Mountains and 
  Baboquivari Mountains.

* WHEN...5 AM Thursday to 5 PM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will cause
  areas of blowing and drifting snow along with whiteout or
  blizzard like conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are expected.
Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This will make 
travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the mountains.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

AZZ506-210000-
/O.UPG.KTWC.WS.A.0001.190221T1800Z-190223T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190222T0600Z-190223T0000Z/
Southeast Pinal County-
338 AM MST Wed Feb 20 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THURSDAY TO 5 PM MST
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions,
  including during the morning commute on Friday. Total snow
  accumulations of 8 to 12 inches with localized higher amounts.

* WHERE...Southeast Pinal County, specifically the Oracle area.

* WHEN...11 PM Thursday to 5 PM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Look for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are expected.
Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This will make 
travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the mountains.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

AZZ512-210000-
/O.UPG.KTWC.WS.A.0001.190222T0600Z-190223T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190222T0600Z-190223T0000Z/
Chiricahua Mountains-
Including the city of Chiricahua NM
338 AM MST Wed Feb 20 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THURSDAY TO 5 PM MST
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Plan on difficult
  travel conditions. Damage to trees and power lines is possible.
  Total snow accumulations of 10 to 16 inches, with localized
  amounts up to 20 inches, are expected.

* WHERE...Chiricahua Mountains.

* WHEN...11 PM Thursday to 5 PM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 55 mph will 
  cause areas of blowing and drifting snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are expected.
Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This will make 
travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the mountains.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
6 follow-up statements
200 
WWUS45 KTWC 202210
WSWTWC

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
310 PM MST Wed Feb 20 2019

...MAJOR WINTER STORM TO BRING SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL TO THE
MOUNTAINS OF SOUTHEAST ARIZONA THURSDAY AND FRIDAY...

AZZ509-211300-
/O.EXA.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190222T0600Z-190223T0000Z/
Upper Gila River Valley-
Including the city of Clifton
310 PM MST Wed Feb 20 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THURSDAY TO 5 PM MST
FRIDAY ABOVE 3500 FEET ...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions.
  Total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches.

* WHERE...Upper Gila River Valley.

* WHEN...11 PM Thursday to 5 PM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Look for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are
expected. Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This
will make travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the
mountains. 

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

AZZ510-511-513>515-211300-
/O.CON.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190221T1200Z-190223T0000Z/
White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties-
Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains-
Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains-
Catalina and Rincon Mountains-Baboquivari Mountains-
Including the cities of Hannagan Meadow, Mount Graham, Bisbee, 
Canelo Hills, Mount Lemmon, and Summerhaven
310 PM MST Wed Feb 20 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM THURSDAY TO
5 PM MST FRIDAY ABOVE 5000 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Travel will be very
  difficult to impossible. Tree branches could fall as well. Total
  snow accumulations of 12 to 24 inches between 5000 feet and 7000
  feet and 20 to 40 inches with localized higher amounts above 
  7000 feet.

* WHERE...White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties, 
  Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains, Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca 
  and Santa Rita Mountains, Catalina and Rincon Mountains and 
  Baboquivari Mountains.

* WHEN...5 AM Thursday to 5 PM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 50 mph will 
  cause widespread blowing and drifting snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are
expected. Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This
will make travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the
mountains. 

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

AZZ512-211300-
/O.CON.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190222T0600Z-190223T0000Z/
Chiricahua Mountains-
Including the city of Chiricahua NM
310 PM MST Wed Feb 20 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THURSDAY TO
5 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Plan on difficult
  travel conditions. Damage to trees and power lines is possible.
  Total snow accumulations of 10 to 16 inches, with localized
  amounts up to 20 inches, are expected.

* WHERE...Chiricahua Mountains.

* WHEN...11 PM Thursday to 5 PM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 55 mph will 
  cause widespread blowing and drifting snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are
expected. Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This
will make travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the
mountains. 

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

AZZ506-211300-
/O.CON.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190222T0600Z-190223T0000Z/
Southeast Pinal County-
Including the city of Oracle
310 PM MST Wed Feb 20 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THURSDAY TO
5 PM MST FRIDAY ABOVE 3500 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions,
  including during the morning commute on Friday. Total snow
  accumulations ranging from 3 to 8 inches between 3500 and 4000
  feet and up to 8 to 16 inches in the Oracle area.

* WHERE...Southeast Pinal County.

* WHEN...11 PM Thursday to 5 PM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Look for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are
expected. Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This
will make travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the
mountains. 

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
778 
WWUS45 KTWC 211003
WSWTWC

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
303 AM MST Thu Feb 21 2019

...MAJOR WINTER STORM TO BRING SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL TO THE
MOUNTAINS OF SOUTHEAST ARIZONA THURSDAY AND FRIDAY...

AZZ507-508-220000-
/O.EXA.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190222T0600Z-190223T0000Z/
Upper San Pedro River Valley-
Eastern Cochise County below 5000 feet-
Including the cities of Sierra Vista and Willcox
303 AM MST Thu Feb 21 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM
MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions.
  Total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches.

* WHERE...Upper San Pedro River Valley and Eastern Cochise 
  County below 5000 feet.

* WHEN...11 PM today to 5 PM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Look for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are expected.
Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This will make 
travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the mountains.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

AZZ510-511-513>515-220000-
/O.CON.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190221T1200Z-190223T0000Z/
White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties-
Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains-
Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains-
Catalina and Rincon Mountains-Baboquivari Mountains-
Including the cities of Hannagan Meadow, Mount Graham, Bisbee, 
Canelo Hills, Mount Lemmon, and Summerhaven
303 AM MST Thu Feb 21 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow developing this morning, then becoming heavy at
  times this afternoon into Friday. Travel will be very difficult
  to impossible. Tree branches could fall as well. Total snow
  accumulations of 12 to 24 inches between 5000 feet and 7000 feet
  and 20 to 40 inches with localized higher amounts above 7000
  feet.

* WHERE...White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties, 
  Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains, Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca 
  and Santa Rita Mountains, Catalina and Rincon Mountains and 
  Baboquivari Mountains.

* WHEN...5 AM today to 5 PM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 50 mph will cause
  widespread blowing and drifting snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are expected.
Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This will make 
travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the mountains.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

AZZ506-509-512-220000-
/O.CON.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190222T0600Z-190223T0000Z/
Southeast Pinal County-Upper Gila River Valley-
Chiricahua Mountains-
Including the cities of Oracle, Clifton, and Chiricahua NM
303 AM MST Thu Feb 21 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING
TO 5 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected tonight into Friday. Plan on  
  difficult travel conditions. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 12
  inches between 3500 feet and 5000 feet and 12 to 18 inches 
  above 5000 feet are expected.

* WHERE...Southeast Pinal County, Upper Gila River Valley and 
  Chiricahua Mountains.

* WHEN...11 PM today to 5 PM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Look for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are expected.
Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This will make 
travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the mountains.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
150 
WWUS45 KTWC 212059
WSWTWC

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
159 PM MST Thu Feb 21 2019

...MAJOR WINTER STORM TO BRING SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL TO PORTIONS 
OF SOUTHEAST ARIZONA THROUGH FRIDAY...

AZZ510-511-513>515-221200-
/O.EXT.KTWC.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-190223T0300Z/
White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties-
Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains-
Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains-
Catalina and Rincon Mountains-Baboquivari Mountains-
Including the cities of Hannagan Meadow, Mount Graham, Bisbee, 
Canelo Hills, Mount Lemmon, and Summerhaven
159 PM MST Thu Feb 21 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Travel will be very difficult to
  impossible, including during the morning commute on Friday. Tree
  branches could fall as well. Total snow accumulations of 10 to
  20 inches between 5000 feet and 7000 feet and 20 to 40 inches 
  with localized higher amounts above 7000 feet. 

* WHERE...White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties, 
  Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains, Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca 
  and Santa Rita Mountains, Catalina and Rincon Mountains and 
  Baboquivari Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM Friday. The Bisbee area isn't expected to see
  Winter Storm conditions start until Friday morning. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Look for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are
expected. Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This
will make travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the
mountains. 

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

AZZ506>509-512-221200-
/O.EXT.KTWC.WS.W.0002.190222T0600Z-190223T0300Z/
Southeast Pinal County-Upper San Pedro River Valley-
Eastern Cochise County below 5000 feet-Upper Gila River Valley-
Chiricahua Mountains-
Including the cities of Oracle, Sierra Vista, Willcox, Clifton, 
and Chiricahua NM
159 PM MST Thu Feb 21 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO
8 PM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Plan on difficult travel conditions,
  including during the evening commute on Friday. Total snow
  accumulations of 1 to 4 inches between 3500 and 4500 feet, 2 to
  12 inches between 4500 and 5000 feet with the lower amounts in
  Cochise County and the highest amounts near Oracle. 8 to 16
  inches above 5000 feet is expected with locally higher amounts
  in the Chiricahuas.

* WHERE...Southeast Pinal County, Upper San Pedro River Valley, 
  Eastern Cochise County below 5000 feet, Upper Gila River 
  Valley and Chiricahua Mountains.

* WHEN...11 PM today to 8 PM Friday. Winter Storm conditions will
  not greatly impact the valley floors of Cochise County until
  late Friday morning. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Look for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are
expected. Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This
will make travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the
mountains. 

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

Visit us on Facebook...Twitter...YouTube...and at weather.gov/Tucson
239 
WWUS45 KTWC 221054
WSWTWC

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
354 AM MST Fri Feb 22 2019


AZZ506>515-222100-
/O.CON.KTWC.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-190223T0300Z/
Southeast Pinal County-Upper San Pedro River Valley-
Eastern Cochise County below 5000 feet-Upper Gila River Valley-
White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties-
Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains-Chiricahua Mountains-
Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains-
Catalina and Rincon Mountains-Baboquivari Mountains-
Including the cities of Oracle, Sierra Vista, Willcox, Clifton, 
Hannagan Meadow, Mount Graham, Chiricahua NM, Bisbee, 
Canelo Hills, Mount Lemmon, and Summerhaven
354 AM MST Fri Feb 22 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow in the mountains. Expect total snow
  accumulations in the mountains of 10 to 20 inches between 5000
  feet and 7000 feet and 20 to 40 inches with localized higher
  amounts above 7000 feet. The snow level will lower throughout 
  the day with snow developing as low as 3500 feet. Total snow 
  accumulations of 1 to 4 inches between 3500 and 4500 feet with 
  higher amounts above 5000 feet can be anticipated. 

* WHERE...Portions of Southeast Arizona.

* WHEN...Snow was already occuring in the mountains early this
  morning. The snow level will lower throughout the day bringing
  snow to higher valley locations like Oracle, Sierra Vista and
  Willcox by this evening. Snow flurries have already been
  reported by the public in Oracle and south of Vail on State
  Route 83 early this morning.
  

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Look for significant reductions in 
  visibility at times, especially in the mountains.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are
expected. Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This
will make travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the
mountains. 

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

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866 
WWUS45 KTWC 222000
WSWTWC

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
100 PM MST Fri Feb 22 2019


AZZ506>515-230300-
/O.CON.KTWC.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-190223T0300Z/
Southeast Pinal County-Upper San Pedro River Valley-
Eastern Cochise County below 5000 feet-Upper Gila River Valley-
White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties-
Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains-Chiricahua Mountains-
Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains-
Catalina and Rincon Mountains-Baboquivari Mountains-
Including the cities of Oracle, Sierra Vista, Willcox, Clifton, 
Hannagan Meadow, Mount Graham, Chiricahua NM, Bisbee, 
Canelo Hills, Mount Lemmon, and Summerhaven
100 PM MST Fri Feb 22 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow in the mountains. Expect total snow
  accumulations in the mountains of 10 to 20 inches between 4500 
  feet and 7000 feet and 20 to 40 inches with localized higher 
  amounts above 7000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 
  inches between 2000 and 3500 feet with higher amounts above 3500
  feet can be anticipated.

* WHERE...Portions of Southeast Arizona, mainly east of Tucson.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM today. The changeover to snow has occurred
  across the lower elevations Cochise and Graham Counties and
  continues in the mountains. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Look for significant reductions in
  visibility at times, especially in the mountains. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning means heavy snow accumulations are
expected. Gusty winds and blowing snow are also possible. This
will make travel very difficult or impossible...especially in the
mountains. 

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...commercial television or radio
stations...or your cable television service provider for updates
on this Winter Storm.

&&

$$

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017 
WWUS45 KTWC 230303
WSWTWC

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
803 PM MST Fri Feb 22 2019

AZZ506>515-230415-
/O.EXP.KTWC.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-190223T0300Z/
Southeast Pinal County-Upper San Pedro River Valley-
Eastern Cochise County below 5000 feet-Upper Gila River Valley-
White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties-
Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains-Chiricahua Mountains-
Dragoon and Mule and Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains-
Catalina and Rincon Mountains-Baboquivari Mountains-
803 PM MST Fri Feb 22 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING HAS EXPIRED...

The Winter Storm Warning has been allowed to expire. Any remaining
snow showers the rest of tonight will be light with little if any
additional snow accumulation expected.

$$

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What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this winter storm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Tucson, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this winter storm warning went out at Feb 19, 9:12 PM MST, 6 hours 26 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 19, 9:12 PM MST, 6 hours 26 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
912 PM MST Tue Feb 19 2019

.SYNOPSIS...Cold conditions are on tap for tonight into Wednesday
morning, with a brief spell of dry weather. Then, a strong winter
storm produces valley rain and substantial mountain snow Thursday
and Friday. Dry conditions return by the weekend, with daytime
temperatures that gradually warm closer to normal next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Drier conditions have settled in across southeast
Arizona this evening as the upper trough axis progresses through the
eastern Rockies. Satellite imagery shows generally clear skies save
for some lingering cloudiness over the White Mountains. The theme
for tonight and Wednesday morning shifts toward a widespread hard
freeze. Strong cold advection on northwesterly flow combined with
sufficient radiative cooling will help produce temperatures well
below average for this time of year.

A significant winter storm still looks on track for Thursday into
Friday as a deep upper low dives down the Great Basin and briefly
stalls nearby to our west. For more details on how this system
impacts our area, please see the previous discussion below.

&&

.AVIATION...Valid through 22/06Z.
Predominantly clear skies except for some lingering cumulus
northeast of KSAD across the higher terrain. Surface winds generally
remain less than 12 kts, with occasional gusts of 15-20 kts
Wednesday afternoon. Aviation discussion not updated for TAF
amendments.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...After a short dry spell through Wednesday, a
significant winter storm arrives Thursday into Saturday morning with
valley rain and heavy mountain snowfall. 20-ft winds become breezy
at times, especially Thursday afternoon as southwesterly winds reach
15-25 mph. After Saturday expect dry conditions into the beginning
of next week.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION...The upper trough axis has shifted east into
western New Mexico, however, cold air aloft has resulted in isolated
instability showers across eastern portions of the forecast area, in
Cochise, Graham and Greenlee counties. These showers are expected to
come to an end early this evening shortly after sunset. Otherwise,
daytime highs (so far) have only warmed into the lower 40s to lower
50s across southeast Arizona this afternoon, or 15-20 degrees below
normal.

Expect rapidly clearing skies this evening, with much colder
temperatures tonight. Most (if not all) of southeast Arizona will
experience below freezing temperatures. The coldest valleys east and
south of Tucson will bottom out in the teens Wednesday morning, with
areas from Tucson westward in the mid 20's to around 30 degrees. A
Hard Freeze/Freeze warning remains in effect from Tucson west from
11 pm MST tonight through 8 am MST Wednesday morning.

Wednesday's high temperatures will warm 2-4 degrees (versus today),
but still remain around 15 degrees below normal. Overnight lows
Wednesday night/Thursday morning will be up 5-10 degrees as cloud
cover from the next system to impact the region begins to overspread
the area.

Attention then turns a large upper low and major winter storm that
will impact the region Thursday into early Saturday. A slight chance
of precipitation starts early Thursday morning. Increasing valley
rain/mountain snow chances then overspread the area from northwest
to southeast during the day Thursday and continue areawide Thursday
night and Friday. Have upped POPS/QPF and Snowfall amounts with this
system Thursday through Friday. This system will result in
widespread lower elevation rainfall, with QPF totals ranging from
0.75" to 1.50". Impressive snowfall totals are expected in the
mountains with this system, with one to three feet of snowfall
accumulation expected. Overall, looking at 12-18 inches in the
Baboquivari, Mule, Huachuca and Chiricahua mountains, with 24-36
inches in the Rincon, Catalina, Santa Rita, Mount Graham and White
Mountains. Snow levels start around 5000 feet on Thursday, lowering
to near 4500 feet by Friday morning, ending near 3800 feet late
Friday. These snow levels mean that locations such as Oracle and
Bisbee could end up with 6-12 inches of snowfall. A Winter Storm
Watch remains in effect for the mountains of southeast Arizona from
late morning Thursday through Friday afternoon. Have lowered the
Watch down to the 5000 foot level and also included Oracle in Zone
506. Expect gusty winds with this system and that may lead to
localized blizzard conditions in the mountains along with blowing
and drifting snow. The lower elevations, mainly east and south of
Tucson, will also see some accumulating snow Friday night into
Saturday morning as snow levels continue to lower on the back side
of the system.

Well below normal high temperatures continue Thursday into Saturday.
The lower deserts from Tucson west could see another Hard Freeze
Saturday morning. Dry conditions and warmer temperatures are
expected Sunday and Monday, although temperatures will remain below
normal. Near normal temperatures make an appearance by the middle of
next week as ridge builds across the southwestern United States.

&&

.TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...

 Hard Freeze Warning from 11 PM this evening to 8 AM MST
  Wednesday for AZZ502-504>506.

 Freeze Warning from 11 PM this evening to 8 AM MST Wednesday for
  AZZ501.

 Winter Storm Watch from Thursday morning through Friday
  afternoon for AZZ506-510-511-513>515.

 Winter Storm Watch from Thursday evening through Friday
  afternoon for AZZ512.

&&

Discussion...Howlett
Prev Disc...Zell

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Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Arizona, 2019Every winter storm warning in 2019

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.