Forecasters are warning the rain we saw Thursday was the “calm before the real storm.” 

The National Weather Service said rain clouds Friday will morph into more than two feet of snow at elevations above 5,000 feet.

Meteorologists said we’re actually watching three storms pulse through the southwest through Sunday. The most powerful of the three expected tonight. 

Ryan Harding with the Arizona Department of Transportation said they’ve launched 200 plows and twice as many drivers to work around the clock.  

Harding said to give the plows room to work and avoid taking short cuts. Back roads and highways that are clear now, could change with tonight’s storm.
 
“Stay on the main roads, because that’s where our crews are plowing," Harding said. "So, if you get stuck, you’ll increase your chances of having an officer or one of the ADOT maintenance people come by and find you if you can’t call for help.”
 
If you’re traveling to higher elevations, traffic and weather reports will be updated on the ADOT website or by calling 5-1-1.