Meteorologists say impending storm could be one of the top 10 biggest snowstorms in Arizona

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- Meteorologists say a storm that is set to hit Arizona late Wednesday night and into Thursday could be one of the top ten biggest snowstorms the state has ever seen.

While the storm may not bring the state out of the drought, it will definitely help.

"You can actually see our storm system way up here, off the coast of Canada," said Jaret Rogers, a meteorologist with National Weather Service in Phoenix. Meteorologists at NWS Phoenix are keeping a watchful eye out for that big storm.

"We're looking at a very significant storm system," said Rogers. He went on to say the coming storm is strong, cold and slow-moving, which means snow will be measured in feet, instead of inches.

"Some areas could even get two, maybe even three feet," said Rogers. "We're looking mainly on the Mogollon Rim. Payson, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard. Those areas are probably going to get the highest amounts."

"This winter is important because it will help recover from the dry winter last year," said Bo Svoma, a meteorologist with SRP.

One of Svoma's jobs is looking at how storms impact the reservoirs. Svoma is hoping the impending storm will help get Arizona in a good place for the rest of the year. Although the storm is expected to bring a lot of snow, Svoma says it won't bring an end to the drought.

"We would need to have several good winters in a row, or seven out of 10 good winters, to start thinking that the drought is over," said Svoma.

Meteorologists say the state is in a weak El Niño pattern, meaning the state could see a wetter than normal spring.

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