RIVERSIDE (CNS) - A low-pressure storm system could drop light rain in Inland Southern California today - and snow on the roads could create hazardous travel conditions in our local mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS issued a winter storm warning was due to expire at noon today (Tuesday) for inland mountains above 5,500 feet. Until then, forecasters said snow in those areas could make travel hazardous.
``If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,'' NWS officials warned.
Snow levels will remain around 5,000 feet today. In the San Bernardino National Forest in Riverside County, Pine Cove received at least 2 inches of snow as of 3 a.m. Tuesday, NWS meteorologist Miguel Miller said.
The low-pressure storm system that moved into Southern California Monday could drop light rain this morning before it exits the region by late tonight, forecasters said.
There is a 50 percent chance of measurable precipitation today everywhere except the mountains, which have a 70 percent chance, and any precipitation will be less than one-tenth of an inch, forecasters said.
A wind advisory will be in effect from 6 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Wednesday for the county mountains and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning.
West-to-northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching 55 mph, are expected this evening through early Wednesday morning, forecasters said.
It is unlikely that flooding, mud and debris flows will develop around the HolyFire burn areas from Lake Elsinore through Temescal Valley, according to the Riverside County Emergency Management Department.
More information is available at www.rivcoready.org.
A wide area skirting the eastern boundary of the Cleveland National Forest along the I-15 corridor was left exposed to potential flood and mud damage because of the 23,000- acre Holy Fire in August. The arson blaze denuded steep terrain below Santiago Peak, permitting water to flow unchecked onto lower slopes where subdivisions are situated.
Heavy rainfall on Valentine's Day resulted in significant flooding,
prompting street closures and evacuations. A homeless woman died Feb. 14 when
she was swept away by a heavy water flow in a concrete stormwater channel in
Riverside, and several homes in Lake Elsinore were damaged by the downpour.
After the storm system exits late tonight, dry weather is expected for
the rest of the week and temperatures will begin warming Thursday,
forecasters said.