Blizzard — Santa Cruz County, Arizona

2010-01-21 to 2010-01-22 · Santa Cruz County, Arizona

Event narrative

Blizzard conditions occurred on the mountains above 7000 feet in Santa Cruz County.

Wider weather episode

An exceptionally strong Pacific storm system impacted southeast Arizona, producing a wide variety of weather. Widespread heavy valley rain and higher elevation snow affected all of southeast Arizona. Additionally, the storm produced a significant wind event, with strong and damaging winds reported at many locations, along with areas of blowing dust. Heavy rainfall and melting snowpack produced some flooding of area streams and washes, and the combination of heavy snow and strong winds produced blizzard conditions on the highest elevations at times. Also, several severe thunderstorms produced wind damage during the evening of the 21st.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 203904. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.