Spring Storm to Lash Inland Empire Thursday

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - A storm packing wind and rain will impact the Inland
Empire on Thursday, lowering temperatures and potentially creating
hazardous driving conditions.
   According to the National Weather Service, the trough of low pressure
will start its slide toward the region Wednesday evening, gaining strength as
it makes landfall in the predawn hours Thursday.
   ``The trough axis will move through Thursday midday, just slightly
behind a well-marked cold front, and most, if not all, areas should have rain
from the mountains west to the coast,'' the NWS stated.
   Forecasters predicted precipitation amounts from one-tenth to a half-
inch, with the heaviest downpours in rising terrain.
   ``Winds will be a concern in the mountains and deserts starting late
Wednesday and continuing through Thursday night, with peak gusts of 50-60
mph,'' according to the NWS. ``A wind advisory will be needed for that time
period.''
   Meteorologists said that as the unstable weather stretches eastward,
temperatures will fall below normal, with snow possible above 6,500 feet.
   The Riverside County Emergency Management Department was monitoring
the system, but officials had not issued any advance warnings concerning
potential flooding or mudslides in and around the Holy Fire burn scar in the
Cleveland National Forest, fronting Lake Elsinore and the Temescal Valley.
   A wide area skirting the eastern boundary of the forest was left
exposed to potential flood and mud damage because of the 23,000-acre arson
blaze last August.
   The last time voluntary evacuations were called during inclement
weather was in February. The county Flood Control & Water Conservation District
has been employing contractors to shore up vulnerable areas.
   According to the NWS, the instability will clear Friday and Saturday,
with mostly sunny skies for the weekend. However, another, weaker, system is
rolling toward the region, expected to produce light rain Monday, forecasters
said.