Snow, Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Parts Of RivCo

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A winter weather advisory has been issued for part of Southern California, as a cold storm system moves across the area bringing snow to local mountains and some foothills.

The National Weather Service advisory in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday through 10 a.m. Monday calls for snow levels to drop rapidly this evening. "The combination of snow, gusty winds, fog and slick roads will impact the mountain roads," the advisory warned. "Freezing conditions will develop in the mountain passes as well."

Local areas impacted by the advisory include the San Bernardino County and Riverside County mountains, including the cities of Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, Wrightwood, and Idyllwild-Pine Cove.

Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with localized amounts up to 8 inches mainly at elevations at or above 4,000 feet, but some snow could fall on lower slopes, including the desert foothills.

The NWS warns travelers in the mountain areas to plan on slippery road conditions with reduced visibility, and fallen tree branches as well.

In the valley areas, including the Riverside metro area; the Southwest Riverside County cities of Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula and Wildomar; and the San Gorgonio Pass Area of Banning and Beaumont, rain is expected through Monday morning, with sunny skies returning in the afternoon.