A pair of storm systems will move through Arizona starting this weekend, bringing rain and lower temperatures to the Phoenix area and snow to higher elevations.
Snow is expected in northern parts of the state, and motorists were advised to delay all but essential travel before heading out to those areas this weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Those motorists choosing not to delay their travel north should plan to spend an extended time on the roads. ADOT officials advised motorists to slow down, leave extra room between vehicles and pack an emergency kit.
In the Phoenix metro area, the first storm will likely produce between a quarter- and a half-inch of rain. The second storm will bring even more rain, between one-third and two-thirds of an inch in the Valley and even more in higher terrain in the northeast Valley, according to the Weather Service.
The next few days, high temperatures will be in the 60s to near 70, but by this weekend and early next week, highs most likely will fall into the mid and upper 50s.
Those temperatures will drop even lower in the evening and early morning hours. By Wednesday morning, there is a chance for some patchy frost outlying areas.
ADOT advised travelers to pack an emergency kit containing a fully charged cell phone, warm clothing, blankets, food and water, medications, and sand or kitty litter in case you get stuck in the snow.