Snow Coming To Pass Area, 70MPH Winds Possible: NWS Forecasts

BANNING, CA — After a weeks of some dramatic highs and lows in the Southland, get ready for another shift in the Pass Area weather.

Rain, wind and snow are expected in some Riverside County foothills and valleys — including in the cities of Banning, Beaumont and Cherry Valley — while heavy snow settles into the Riverside County Mountains Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said.

"A cold storm from the north will bring strong winds, chilly temperatures and widespread rain and mountain snow with the brunt occurring Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning," the NWS said in its forecast discussion Tuesday morning. "Hazardous travel is expected, especially through the mountains."

High Wind Warning:

In the Banning and Beaumont area, a high wind warning was in effect Tuesday until 9 p.m., the NWS advised.

In the city, expect 20 t0 25 miles per hour winds and gusts up to 40 miles per hour. In the San Gorgonio Pass, west winds will blow, sustained, between 30 to 40 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.

Snow In Banning and Beaumont?

Overnight, there's a 70 percent chance of rain before 10 p.m., then rain and snow showers are expected to settle in, according to the NWS. Snow showers are likely after 4 a.m., with a dusting expected to cover Banning, less than half an inch and not quite a "snow day."

Later Wednesday, after 10 a.m., snow showers will give way to rain as the storm moves out of the area.

Frost Advisories In Place:

Residents should expect low temperatures in the 30s overnight the remainder of the week and with the low temperatures, frost advisories will be in place through Friday morning.

Winter Storm Warning For Mountains:

A winter storm warning was in place in Riverside County mountain communities, according to the NWS, with a large amount of snow headed our way. The region can expect between 4 and 8 inches of snow starting at 4 p.m. Tuesday until the storm moves out of the area, around 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Snow accumulation was estimated to be: 2 to 4 inches from 4,000 to 6,000 feet, 4 to 8 inches above 6,000 feet with locally with more significant amounts on higher peaks, according to meteorologists.

Drivers should take precautions and watch for downed trees and power lines during the wind and snow event.

Here's the full detailed forecast for Beaumont for the coming days, via the NWS:

Today
Showers. Patchy fog. High near 46. West wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight
Rain showers before 11pm, then rain and snow showers likely. Some thunder is also possible. Patchy fog. Low around 34. West wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday
Snow showers likely, mainly before 11am. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 43. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday Night
Areas of frost after 11pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 29. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable.

Thursday
Areas of frost before 11am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 50. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night
Patchy frost after 11pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 34.

Friday
Patchy frost before 11am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 56.

Friday Night
Patchy frost after 11pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 36.