A storm system pushing through Arizona during the next two days is expected to bring heavy rain to northern Arizona and potential flooding to the Phoenix area.

The National Weather Service Flagstaff office issued alerts that much of the northeast part of the state could experience an elevated risk for excessive rainfall in areas that stretch from Fountain Hills through Camp Verde and Flagstaff.

The report, which stretches through Thursday, says some localized downpours could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Most of Maricopa County is under a flash flood watch, as is much of the state, but the area also is expecting rain.

Thursday's weather outlook includes a risk of winds up to 70 mph for areas that include parts of the far east Valley through the Arizona-New Mexico border, as well as potential hail with a low risk of tornados.

The NWS Flagstaff office said the greatest threat would be from morning to late afternoon on Thursday.

Most of the Phoenix area could see moderate rain with some wind an a lower chance for hail.