Heavy Snowfall In IE Mountains, Up To 1 Foot, Dangerous Roads

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — A winter storm warning is in effect in local mountains due to heavy snow that is making driving conditions dangerous.

The storm warning is in effect from noon Sunday through 4 a.m. Tuesday above 3,500 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, including the Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead areas. In Riverside County Mountains, including the Idyllwild and Pine Cove areas, a winter storm advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday through 4 a.m. Tuesday above 4,000 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

In the San Bernardino Mountains, including the cities and towns of Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs and Wrightwood, total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected between the 3,500- to 4,500-foot-level; 3 to 6 inches between 4,500 to 5,500 feet; and 6 to 12 inches above 5,500 feet. The Big Bear area is expected to be hit hardest, according to the NWS.

In the Riverside and San Diego County Mountains, including the cities of Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Julian and Pine Valley, snow accumulations are expected to reach 1 to 2 inches at the 4,000- to 5,000-foot-level; 2 to 4 inches between 5,000 to 6,000 feet, and 4 to 8 inches above 6000 feet, the NWS reported.

In all areas, forecasters are warning of possible damage to trees and power lines.

In addition to snow, winds are forecast to be strong out of the north to northeast Monday and Monday night, with gusts up to 50 mph at times.

"Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times. Busy roadways will be impacted with snowfall, including Cajon Pass," the NWS reported.

The high desert areas — Victorville, Hesperia, and Apple Valley — are under a winter weather advisory from 6 p.m. Sunday to 10 p.m. Tuesday with 1 to 2 inches of snow accumulation expected.

Most of western and central Riverside County is under a winter storm advisory, including Southwest Riverside County, Riverside metropolitan areas and the San Gorgonio Pass Area. Snow is not expected in these areas, with the exception of possible dusting along the Ortega Highway near El Cariso Village, but a chance of scattered rain will continue through Monday night, according to the NWS.

Although there is rain forecast in the Coachella Valley through Monday, the area is not under a winter storm warning or advisory.