PHOENIX — Another major storm is hitting Arizona!
Wednesday is an ABC15 Weather Action Day as a big blast of rain, wind, and snow impacts outdoor activities and travel across our state.
Rain and snow have been falling across western and northern Arizona throughout the day.
The key timing for rain and thunderstorms in the Phoenix metro area will be during the afternoon and evening commute.
The snow level will gradually drop to around 2,500 feet by Wednesday night, but it could go even lower, to near 1,800 feet by Thursday morning. That could put a few snow flurries down into places like Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills and north Scottsdale.
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 will lead to blowing snow and low visibility across the high country. Adjust or cancel any travel plans because road conditions will become hazardous.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for areas above 4,000 feet across most of northern and eastern Arizona on Wednesday. Winter Weather Advisories are also in effect for the higher terrain just north and southeast of the Valley.
Wind Advisories are in effect for much of the state throughout the day on Wednesday as wind gusts peak near 55 mph.
Even the Phoenix metro area is under a Wind Advisory from 3 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Air quality will likely be impacted as blowing dust picks up before our rain arrives.
Valley rain showers will likely begin by mid-afternoon on Wednesday and we could see a few thunderstorms in the mix, too. We're expecting around a quarter of an inch to a half of an inch of rain in many Valley cities.
Showers could linger into Wednesday night and early Thursday morning before we quickly dry out in the Valley.
Snow showers will linger along the Mogollon Rim until Thursday afternoon.
As we dry out, temperatures will warm up heading into the weekend.
Expect highs back in the 70s across the Phoenix metro area by Sunday.
