US Southwest in store for one-two punch of winter storms
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Major storms will hit the U.S. Southwest over the holiday weekend, dumping heavy snow in the highest elevations and rain in the deserts. Along with that, expect high wind that could knock out power and topple trees, weather forecasters said.
The National Weather Service says Flagstaff and North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona could get up to 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow in two rounds of storms. Mountainous areas west of Las Vegas, far northern New Mexico and other mountainous areas also will see heavy snow.
The first storm will start to hit Saturday night into Sunday. There will also be a lull before the next one Monday on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Entrance fees at the Grand Canyon and other national parks are waived on Monday. However, park officials say visitors might not see into the depths of the canyon because of the storms. Trails will have packs of snow and will be icy.
The impact of the storm will be felt across much of the region, though some places will see only a dusting of snow. Authorities are discouraging people from traveling but say to be prepared with warm clothes, water, emergency kits and other supplies if they must head out on slick, snow-packed or icy roads.
Strong winds will send snow swirling, limiting visibility. Rain will then lower elevations.
