Get Ready, Lake Elsinore-Wildomar: Stormy Weather A-Comin'

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA - Rain, gusty wind and mountain snow are expected in Riverside County today as a fast-moving late winter storm moves into the region.

A National Weather Service winter weather advisory for the mountains is scheduled to take effect at 1 this afternoon and extend until 4 a.m. Saturday. A wind advisory for the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning
will run from 4 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Saturday.

Forecasters said up to 2 inches of snow could accumulate at altitudes of 5,000 to 6,000 feet, 2 to 4 inches could fall in areas between 6,000, and up to 6 inches may blanket the highest peaks. Up to an inch of rain is also expected in some mountain areas, along with a quarter to half an inch of rain in the valleys, a tenth to a 20th of an inch in the upper deserts and a tenth of an inch or less in the lower deserts.

• FOR A FULL, DETAILED FORECAST FOR LAKE ELSINORE-WILDOMAR, CLICK HERE.

The stormy weather is expected to begin this afternoon in San Bernardino and Orange counties, then spread out to the southeast this evening.

Forecasters said the snow level would drop to around 5,500 feet by tonight.

The upper-level low pressure trough moving across the region "will create light to moderate showers over most of the region, snow to the higher terrain and a brief period of gusty southwesterly winds to the mountain ridge tops and the deserts,'' according to the weather service.

Winds in the Coachella Valley and along the San Gorgonio Pass are also expected to ramp up this afternoon. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts to 60 mph are in the forecast through early Saturday, according to the NWS.

Forecasters said the strong winds may down tree limbs or kick up sand and dust, which could affect visibility along desert roadways. The mountain snow may also reduce visibility. The NWS advised motorists and residents of mountain areas to carry snow chains, extra food and clothing.

The storm is expected to weaken Saturday morning, forecasters said.

• Also see: Slippery When Wet! CHP Reminds You How To Drive In Drizzly Weather and What To Do If Hydroplaning

--City News Service