Up To 20 Inches Of Snow Expected In Riverside County Mountains

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County mountain communities are expected to get hit with significant snowfall this week as at least two cold winter storms bear down on the region.

According to the National Weather Service, the snow level is expected to drop as low as 4,000 feet Thursday afternoon and 3,000 feet by Friday morning.

The heaviest snowfall is forecast at higher elevations. Total snow accumulations of 3-5 inches are expected below 5,000 feet, 6-12 inches are possible above 6,000 feet, while peaks above 7,000 feet could see up to 20 inches, the NWS reported.

Mountain communities will be under an NWS-issued winter storm warning from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Saturday. In addition to heavy snow, the areas could see wind gusts up to 60 mph, the NWS reported.

"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," the NWS warned. "The latest road conditions ... can be obtained by calling 5 1 1."

Overnight temperatures in mountain areas could dip into the teens, while daytime highs are only expected to reach the mid to high 20s.

The cold weather comes as two storms move through the area. The first arrived Tuesday afternoon and the second is expected to hit Wednesday night through Friday morning. There is the potential for yet another system sometime early next week, according to the NWS.

Rain was falling across western Riverside County Tuesday afternoon. An NWS-issued flood watch is in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday through 6 p.m. Thursday.

"The most likely time for widespread and heavier precipitation is very late Wednesday night into Thursday morning," the NWS reported. "The cold nature of the storm aloft also increases the chances of thunderstorms across the area, leading to an increased threat of flooding."

Rainfall totals this week in western Riverside County valleys could reach up 2-3 inches, according to the NWS.