Actions

MOST ACCURATE FORECAST: Major winter storm brings high winds, rain and heavy snow to Arizona

A major winter storm is hitting Arizona! It's an ABC15 Weather Action Day as high winds, rain and snow impact outdoor activities and travel across our state. For areas along the Mogollon Rim above 6,000 feet in elevation, like Flagstaff, we are tracking the potential of one to two feet of snow! High winds are leading to blowing snow and low visibility across the high country. Adjust or cancel any travel plans because road conditions are becoming hazardous.

By: Amber Sullins

Posted at 6:34 AM, Mar 01, 2023

PHOENIX — A major winter storm is hitting Arizona!

We're in ABC15 Weather Action mode as high winds, rain and snow impact travel across our state.

Many parts of the Valley have already seen over a half of an inch of rain!

Up north, areas along the Mogollon Rim above 6,000 feet in elevation (like Flagstaff) could see over 2 feet of snow!

Road conditions are becoming hazardous across the high country and several highways are shut down due to snow and icy roads. Check AZ511.gov for current road closures across the high country.

Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for areas above 4,000 feet across most of northern and eastern Arizona until Thursday morning.

Winter Weather Advisories are also in effect for the higher terrain just north of the Valley, and across southeast Pinal county and parts of southeast Arizona including in Tucson.

The snow level will drop to around 1,800 feet by Thursday morning, putting the chance of snow flurries down into places like Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills and north Scottsdale.

Rain showers are also still possible in the Valley overnight and early Thursday before we quickly dry out for the rest of the day.

Snow showers will linger along the Mogollon Rim until Thursday afternoon. Then, we will dry out statewide and stay dry through the weekend.

Temperatures will gradually warm back up, too.

Expect Valley highs in the mid 50s on Thursday, low 60s on Friday and upper 60s on Saturday. We'll be back in the 70s across the Phoenix metro area by Sunday.

_________________________________________

2023 Rainfall totals:

Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 1.41" (-0.37" from average)

Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 1.89"

________________________________________

2022 Rainfall totals:

Sky Harbor Official Rainfall: 5.78" (-1.44" from average)

Valley Average (Phoenix Rainfall Index): 7.02"

__________________________________________

Daily rainfall reports from all across the Valley can be found here.
__________________________________________

PHOENIX IS GETTING DRIER - LOWER RAINFALL AVERAGES NOW

Average Monsoon Rainfall in Phoenix (1981-2010): 2.71" of rain