While record high temperatures are set in some areas, a major snowstorm is hitting the Southwest. TODAY's Al Roker reports.
By msnbc.com staff
Just a day before spring, snow continued to fall across parts of California, Arizona and New Mexico on Monday, causing traffic problems and school closures.
Much of northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, was covered in up to two feet of snow after a big dump on Sunday. Highways in the Flagstaff area were briefly shut down as well, the Arizona Republic reported.
Dozens of travelers were stuck in Flagstaff hotels. Some who tried to leave returned after being stuck in traffic for hours, one hotel clerk told the Arizona Republic.
Joshua Lott / Reuters
The driver of this pickup truck lost control in snow on Interstate 17 in Yavapai County, Ariz., on Sunday.
In California, snow and ice on Monday caused several cars to flip on Interstate 8 in the mountains east of San Diego. The danger led police to shut down a 55-mile stretch of the highway.
Dubbed the "March Miracle," more than a foot of snow at local ski areas over the weekend helped salvage an otherwise mild season, NBCLosAngeles.com reported.
New Mexico was also getting a buildup of snow and ice, forcing school closures in some towns.
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