First Alert Weather Day Sunday as winter storm hits Arizona

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- We’re starting the new year in Arizona with a First Alert Weather Day as a big winter storm brings rain, snow and gusty winds to the state.

Rain is starting to fall in the Phoenix area, with widespread rain expected around lunchtime. Some places could see rainfall amounts up to 3/4″. Higher rainfall totals are also a possibility with the chance for embedded thunderstorms. Be prepared for a windy day across the state, with gusts in northern Arizona reaching 40 mph. Here in the Valley, we could see gusts as high as 30 mph.

A Winter Storm Warning is also in effect for areas like Flagstaff and Show Low above 6,000 feet, with the possibility of 4-10 inches of snow falling through early Monday morning. So be careful if you are traveling on the I-17 or I-40 today. Other parts of the state, like Payson and Pine, will be under a Winter Weather Advisory starting at 11 a.m. with 2-6 inches of snow possible.

Behind this cold front, temperatures will drop into the upper 50s for Monday and Tuesday here in Phoenix. On Tuesday, we could see more rain and snow impact the state as another system moves through.

Check rainfall totals for Maricopa County here.

AZFamily's First Alert Weather Mobile App

AZFamily's First Alert Weather App First lets you track storms and get severe weather alerts wherever you are. Get animated radar, hourly and 10-day forecasts, video updates, rainfall totals, and an interactive traffic map. It also provides a 250-meter radar, which is the highest resolution possible. This radar allows you to look into the future so you can see where the storm is headed.

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