Snow, Wind, Winter Storm Advisory In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A brief cold system is expected to move through Riverside County Monday, bringing rain, snow and gusty winds.

The snow will fall as low as 3,500 feet, likely making for hazardous driving conditions in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.

In lower elevations, showers are expected in most areas of the Southland before dry weather and slightly warmer temperatures return Tuesday and remain for the rest of the week.

"Most areas expected to receive between 0.10-0.33 inches of rain with upcoming storm later tonight into Mon. Local amounts up to 0.50 inches in the foothills and coastal slopes," the NWS tweeted Sunday afternoon.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. Monday to 3 a.m. Tuesday in the Riverside County mountains. The weather service says to expect total snow accumulations of up to 3 inches, with localized amounts up to 7 inches above 4,500 feet, and lighter accumulations of a coating to 3 inches from 3,500 to 4,500 feet.

In the Riverside County mountains, a wind advisory was also in effect until 8 a.m. Monday, followed by a high wind warning from 8 a.m. Monday to 2 a.m. Tuesday. The NWS says to expect winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 55 to 60 during the advisory; and 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 75 during the warning.

Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines, with power outages possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

In the Coachella Valley, a high wind warning is in effect from 8 a.m. Monday to 2 a.m. Tuesday, with winds 25 to 45 mph and gusts to 75 mph expected.