'Hazardous Weather' Ahead In RivCo, Motorists Asked To Stay Home

WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Back-to-back winter storms that are forecast to cause significant road hazards beginning Thursday prompted officials to issue travel warnings to Riverside County motorists ahead of the expected deluge.

"We have a major storm incoming," Caltrans District 8 tweeted Wednesday afternoon. "If you are able to stay off the roadway during the inclement weather, please do. If you must travel, please be patient, give room in between vehicles, slow down, and turn on headlights."

The National Weather Service warned late Wednesday afternoon, "A high-impact winter storm will create hazardous weather conditions for Southern California through the weekend."

In addition to wind and winter weather advisories/warnings issued this week, Wednesday afternoon the NWS announced a flood watch for western Riverside County that takes effect from 1 p.m. Friday through 10 p.m. Saturday.

Across all of Riverside County, scattered showers are expected into Thursday before becoming more widespread Friday and Saturday, the NWS reported.

Rain could fall at a rate of a half-inch to 0.6 inches per hour, with the highest rates expected on the southwest-facing mountain slopes, the agency said.

With the wet forecast came an update Wednesday afternoon on predicted snow levels.

"The cold nature of this system is expected to bring snow to elevations as low as 2,000 feet. Up to 2 inches of snow may accumulate in portions of the Inland Empire and eastern San Diego County," according to the NWS. "Snow is expected to accumulate in portions of the High Desert as well — snow is expected there by Thursday afternoon, with up to 4 inches expected."

Heavy snow and gusty winds will create dangerous conditions in the mountains, with top forecast snowfall totals of 4 to 7 feet, the NWS reported.

"The combination of very heavy snow, low visibilities from snow, blowing snow, and fog, and strong gusty south winds will create blizzard conditions at times," the agency warned.

For those who do travel in local mountains, chains are required, according to Caltrans. Motorists may encounter closed roads.

Sunday night and Monday will be mostly dry, but another cold low-pressure system from the northwest could bring more rain Tuesday and Wednesday, the NWS reported.