More rainfall predicted:
Storms brought rain to the Valley and snow to northern Arizona on Tuesday. More storms are expected later this week.
A storm brought light showers Tuesday morning to areas near Deer Valley and in the west near Surprise and Goodyear, while also delivering a blanket of light snow to some parts of northern Arizona.
The weather in Phoenix metro is expected to clear up for most of the day Wednesday, but more rain is expected to arrive Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service.
With rain chances surpassing 70%, a second band of showers is forecast to hit Phoenix and all surrounding areas starting as early Wednesday night, with “the best chance of rain” on Thursday, said meteorologist Derek Hodges.
He added that a third band of rainy weather is expected to come through the area this weekend.
Areas in the southwest closer to Yuma will get a “fair amount of rain tonight and tomorrow morning,” Hodges said.
Tuesday’s showers were light with some of the heaviest rainfall, in areas such as Goodyear, Deer Valley and Surprise, reaching a tenth of an inch of rain.
Thursday’s showers could reach up to a quarterinch and will cover a much larger area.
By the end of the week, total rainfall in the Phoenix
metro could add up to a half inch in some areas.
Significant winter storms to hit northern Arizona by the weekend
Snow was reported Tuesday in communities near in Prescott, Flagstaff and Payson, and more snow is expected this weekend, according to the weather service.
The Arizona Department of Transportation also reported snow and rainfall along parts of Interstate 40, and officials cautioned drivers to check AZ 511 for any road restrictions.
The storm brought light snowfall to areas north of the Mongollon Rim, and will tapper off Tuesday evening with no more than a total 1-3 inches of snowfall expected, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Klimowski.
As temperatures drop, most roads will be slick and hazardous, he cautioned.
Klimowski added, “We have a couple of significant winter storms we are currently tracking this weekend and early next week that could bring quite a bit of snow to the area.”
The weather service reminded everyone to stay up to date as weather conditions can change.