12/11/15 – A powerful cold front will move through Arizona on Friday. Expect strong southwest winds 25 to 35 MPH gusting to 55 MPH across portions of eastern Arizona where a wind advisory is in effect. Local areas of blowing dust may develop east of Flagstaff. In addition rain and snow showers will develop Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday morning.

A Winter Weather Advisory for heavy snow has been issued for the eastern Mogollon Rim including portions of northern Gila County above 6000 feet and for the White Mountains above 6000 feet from 6 PM this evening unil 6 PM Saturday evening. The timing for the heaviest snow in the White Mountains is forecast to impact that area by around midnight tonight. For more details visit www.weather.gov/flagstaff or check back here for updates as we receive them.

General snow accumulations by Saturday will range from 2 to 5 inches above 6000 feet with an inch or less from 4000-6000 feet. Higher amounts are expected along portions of the eastern Mogollon Rim where 3 to 6 inches are forecast with local amounts as high as 8 inches and for the White Mountains 5 to 9 inches are forecast with up to 12 inches above 9000 feet. If traveling in the high country expect winter driving conditions.

Cold temperatures and light showers will persist Saturday. Dry weather is expected Sunday. A second and colder system should bring rain and snow showers from Sunday night through Monday night with accumulating snow a good possibility.