PHOENIX — It's the return of rain!
Back-to-back storm systems are on track to bring rain, high country snow and a major cool-down!
FORECAST: Track latest storm updates around Arizona
We are in ABC15 Weather Action mode through Thursday as the rain comes down bringing with it the threat of flooding.
Click here to track the latest radar conditions
STORM TIMELINE
The first storm is moving in from the southwest Tuesday into Wednesday.
This storm is tapping into some remnant tropical moisture from what was once Tropical Storm Raymond, so watch out for showers and thunderstorms with this one.
Any of the thunderstorms that hit could bring heavy rain, small hail, gusty winds and frequent lightning.
Our second storm system will move in Wednesday and Thursday.
This one is moving in from the northwest and will bring colder air. So up north, the rain will switch over to snow above 6,500 feet Wednesday night into Thursday.
RAINFALL AND POSSIBLE FLOODING
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until Wednesday night for most of Arizona, including the Phoenix Metro Area. Multiple rounds of heavy rain could quickly lead to localized flooding or flash flooding, so remember "Turn Around, Don't Drown" and avoid driving through flooded roadways or washes.
Valley rainfall totals could hit 1 and 2 inches by Thursday night. Some of the highest amounts will be along our north and east Valley foothills.
We could end up with as much as 2 to 4 inches of rain in the mountains north and east of the Valley, including in spots like Prescott and Payson.
SNOW IN HIGH COUNTRY
Snow will begin late Wednesday night with snow levels dropping to around 6,500 feet by Thursday morning.
This will make for a slick Thursday morning commute in the high country, so be prepared to give yourself extra travel time.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for areas above 6,500 feet from Wednesday evening to Thursday evening in northern Arizona, including for spots like Flagstaff, Williams, the Grand Canyon, and Heber. Snow amounts could end up between 4 and 8 inches in these spots, with as much as 20 inches possible on the San Francisco Peaks.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Wednesday night to Thursday night for areas above 7,000 feet in the White Mountains. Some areas there could pick up 8 to 12 inches of snow, with as much as 22 inches over the highest peaks.
