First Alert Weather Day: Major winter storm pushing into Arizona

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) —It’s a First Alert Weather Day as a strong winter storm moves into Arizona. Expect desert rain, mountain snow, strong winds and cooler temperatures.

An atmospheric river event transitions out of California and into Arizona throughout the day. Rain chances begin in Western Arizona this morning, spreading east across the state this afternoon and evening. Southwestern Arizona is under a Flood Watch starting this morning and continuing into this evening, while the Valley metro area is under the same Flood Watch from this afternoon through Wednesday evening. Wednesday is also a First Alert weather day.

Most Valley spots could see three quarters of an inch of rain, with foothill locations just north and east of town could see up to an inch and a half. Rain chances increase this afternoon and evening in the Valley will the approach of a cold front. There’s a chance for thunderstorms as well, which could bring higher rainfall totals, gusts of wind to 45 miles per hour and small hail. Rain and thunderstorm chances continue into Wednesday, along with cooler temperatures. Look for highs in the upper 60s today, dropping to the low 60s tomorrow.

This storm will bring heavy snow and blowing snow to the high country today, where travel will become difficult and dangerous through tomorrow. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect this afternoon through tomorrow evening. Eight to 14 inches of snow is likely above 6,500 feet. An inch of so of snow is possible down to 5,000 feet. Snow chances continue tomorrow.

Two more storms bring additional rain and snow chances, along with cooler conditions Thursday through Saturday. We’ll keep you updated throughout the rest of the week. At this point, Sunday looks to be dry.

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