Stormy Weather Expected

By City News Service

A late season Pacific storm is expected to hit Riverside today, bringing with it cold weather, mountain snow, rain and gusty wind.

National Weather Service meteorologists said the storm would drop most of the precipitation it’s packing this evening and Friday, but a few showers could linger into the weekend. Up to 1.5 inches of rain is expected with some areas seeing up to 2 inches.

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast for the Coachella Valley this evening.

In the mountains, several inches of snow is expected above 6,000 feet, and some lower areas may also get a dusting, the NWS said. Isolated thunderstorms are also in the forecast. A winter weather advisory was set to take effect at 5 p.m. and extend until 5 p.m. Friday.

“Most of the snow accumulations will likely occur (this) evening through Friday afternoon, but an inch or two may accumulate before and after those time periods,” according to the weather service.

Gusty wind is also expected today in the Coachella Valley and along the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning. A wind advisory for those areas will remain in effect until 8 p.m. West winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour are forecast along with gusts that may reach 55 mph, forecasters said.

Forecasters said the strongest winds were expected along the San Gorgonio Pass.

The wind could cause hazardous driving conditions, especially along Interstate 10, the NWS said. Visibility along some desert roadways could be reduced by blowing sand and dust, and blowing snow and slick roads could affect mountain motorists.