Arizona weather forecast: Third winter storm set to hit the state

PHOENIX - Two of three storms have passed our state. The third and final system is expected tonight.

Thursday and Friday:

Following between 3-7" of snow that fell over parts of the Flagstaff area, another dose of 4-8" will be possible. The next area of low pressure and associated cold front will approach from the West tonight. By late afternoon/early evening, a few showers will start to move into northwestern Arizona. Slowly, the moisture will spill down into Coconino and Yavapai counties, with a mix of rain and snow. The snow elevation line will drop to 5,000 feet tonight, bringing chances for at least a dusting of snow to areas around Prescott, Sedona and even Payson.

The storm will pass throughout the night and bring a brush of rain showers to the Valley between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. For Flagstaff, the best time for snow showers is between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. Over the San Francisco Peaks, snow totals between 6 and 12 inches are possible. This will add to the 2 feet of snow that have already dropped atop the mountain over the last 3 days.

Winds will increase tonight, too. Gusts of 25-35 mph are forecast in Phoenix overnight with gusts between 35-50 mph in the High Country. There are wind advisories in parts of northern Arizona, due to the expected gusty conditions.

The system will weaken some as it heads into eastern Arizona early tomorrow morning. Between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m., the showers will exit the state to the East, and dry conditions will prevail for the rest of the day. In fact, dry weather is expected all weekend.

It will be quite chilly due to the passage of this third and final cold front. The forecast low will drop into the upper 40s in Phoenix with wind chills into the lower 40s. In Flagstaff, single-digit wind chills are expected tomorrow morning. Highs will again cap in the mid 60s around the Valley on Thursday and Friday.

This Weekend:

The forecast high will climb back to the 70s on Saturday and low 80s by Sunday.

You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android.

Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds.

Road Conditions

• Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623)
• az511.com

Leave prepared before heading north

After recent snowfall in the high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is reminding drivers who are heading north to never park along highways to play in the snow. 

Use the highway shoulders for emergencies only. Parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in the following ways:

• Other drivers may be distracted by your vehicle.
• Other drivers may pull over as well to play in the snow, compounding the problem.
• Your vehicle may interfere with first responders who need to use the shoulder.
• Plows can throw snow and ice far off highways.
• It’s much safer to re-enter highways from on-ramps and other designated entrances

"Also, it’s not uncommon for lots of desert dwellers to take the opportunity to head north to play in the snow. So, remember to pack your patience and expect to spend extended time in your vehicle getting to and from snow play areas."

ADOT's suggestions for items to take along:

• Warm clothing and blankets
• A fully charged mobile phone and charger
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Drinking water
• Healthy snacks
• First-aid kit and necessary medications
• Ice scraper
• Small bag of sand or kitty litter for wheel traction
• Small folding shovel for snow removal
• Travel tool kit and battery cables
• Safety flares
• Plastic bags or containers for sanitation
• Road map(s)

ADOT says you and your vehicle must be prepared for driving in wintry conditions, including snow, ice and freezing temperatures.

• Get plenty of rest
• Plan your route in advance and notify someone about your route, destination and arrival time
• Take frequent breaks from driving
• Make sure your fuel tank is at least half to three-quarters full at all times
• Use snow tires, chains or studded tires as recommended or required. Studded tires are permitted on Arizona highways from Oct. 1 to May 1.
• Ensure your wipers, window defroster, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work
• Change your motor oil to a winter grade
• For electric or hybrid vehicles, be sure the battery has sufficient voltage and the connection cables are tight

Get more safety tips at https://azdot.gov/KnowSnow

For Flagstaff area snow-play locations, see FlagstaffArizona.org's Winter Recreation Map or call 844-256-SNOW.

Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

• Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
• If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

Preparing for a severe thunderstorm 

The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:

• Put together an emergency kit.
• Know your community’s evacuation plan.
• Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
• Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.