Winter storm coming to northern Arizona, rain expected in metro Phoenix

A winter storm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Kaibab Plateau from 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday. Rain and snow showers are expected to continue through Tuesday and Wednesday.

Rain and snow are expected to begin Sunday evening in western Coconino County and move eastward. The Kaibab Plateau can expect to see significant snowfall above 7,000 feet starting Sunday afternoon and continuing into Monday.

"Heaviest accumulation from this winter storm system will take place Tuesday and Wednesday," the National Weather Service said on Twitter Sunday morning. "Snow levels are uncertain at this point, but areas above 6000 feet could see significant snowfall."

More widespread rain and snow showers are forecasted to begin Tuesday morning and continue throughout Wednesday, according to the weather service. Gusty winds are anticipated from Monday until Thursday.

Snow levels remain uncertain on Tuesday and Wednesday, but areas above 6,000 feet could see significant snowfall.

Enhanced flooding will be a concern with the additional precipitation midweek, which may impact lower elevated parts of Arizona.

Showers expected midweek in the Valley

As the winter storm begins to move south, Phoenix and surrounding areas are expected to receive around half an inch of rain on Wednesday and Thursday.

On Tuesday, cloudy weather and a high near 68 are expected with showers forecasted after 11 a.m. That evening, showers are expected to continue with a possible thunderstorm occurring after 11 p.m. and a low around 55.

On Wednesday, there is a 40% chance of showers before 11 a.m. The rest of the day is forecasted to be partly sunny with a high near 64. The same is expected into the evening with a low of around 47.

According to the weather service, "this rainfall may further increase flows on local washes and rivers." Upstream snow melt may increase flooding along the Salt River.

Thursday, Friday and the weekend are forecasted to have sunny, mostly clear skies.

Rain expected midweek in southern Arizona

On Sunday and Monday, there is a slight chance of a sprinkle or light rain in Tucson and other parts of southern Arizona. On Tuesday and Wednesday, more wind and rain are expected.

On Tuesday, a 20% chance of showers is expected after 11 a.m. in Tucson with weather forecasting mostly cloudy conditions with a high near 72. On Tuesday night, a 40% chance of showers is forecasted after 11 p.m. with a low around 52.

On Wednesday, a 70% chance of showers is likely before 11 a.m. in Tucson. Conditions could return to mostly cloudy by the evening with a low of around 40.

Thursday, Friday and the weekend are forecasted to have sunny, mostly clear skies.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Winter storm coming to northern Arizona, rain expected in metro Phoenix