Rain, Mountain Snow Expected Near Lake Elsinore, Wildomar

Rain, mountain snow and somewhat weaker winds are expected in Riverside County again Tuesday as a low pressure system centered over the Great Basin continues to push inclement weather this way.

Among the peak wind speeds recorded in Riverside County in a 24-hour period ending at 6 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service reported gusts of:

• 72 miles per hour on Toro Peak
• 66 mph at Whitewater
• 58 mph in Sky Valley
• 55 mph in Coachella
• 51 mph at the Thermal Airport
• 50 mph in Palm Desert
• 47 mph at the Palm Springs Airport and in Pinyon
• 46 mph in Hesperia and Thousand Palms
• 40 mph in Cathedral Canyon
• 38 mph in Vista Grande
• 36 mph in Temecula, Cabazon, Mecca and on Mount San Jacinto
• 35 mph in Garner Valley, Mountain Center and Poppet Flatts

A NWS high wind warning for the mountains and the Coachella Valley expired at 3 a.m., but a less severe wind advisory for the same areas went into effect immediately afterward and is set to extend until 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Sustained wind speeds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph will be possible throughout the advisory period. Gusts in some areas may reach 60 mph this morning, briefly subside then ramp up again during the late afternoon and evening hours, forecasters said.

A winter weather advisory for mountain locales higher than 5,500 feet is set to take effect at 3 p.m. Tuesday and also expire at 3 a.m. Wednesday. Up to 6 inches of snow could accumulate at around 5,500 feet, and forecasters said the snow level may occasionally lower to around 4,000 feet.

The wind may cause difficult travel conditions along parts of Interstates 10 and 15, and on state Route 74, according to the NWS. Motorists, especially those in high profile vehicles, were urged to use extra caution.

Blowing snow in the mountains may also lead to lowered visibility. Forecasters said mountain residents and travelers should watch out for slick roads, carry tire chains and extra food and clothing.

– City News Service.