Winter's 1st 'Significant Storm' To Dump Rain, Snow Near Banning

BANNING, CA — A powerful storm expected to roll in Monday evening is expected to dump up 18 inches of snow in some parts of the Riverside and San Bernardino county mountains, the National Weather Service said. Meanwhile, in the valleys, Riverside County residents can expect a tough morning commute on Tuesday with heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms.

There's a 100 percent chance of rain in the Pass Area on Tuesday and temperatures could dip into the 40s, according to weather forecasters.

"Light rain and showers are likely today into this evening ahead of a Pacific storm that will bring more widespread and heavier precipitation and strong gusty winds late tonight into Tuesday evening," the NWS said in its forecast discussion on Monday.

The storm will bring periods of snow and strong winds beginning late Monday evening and continue into Tuesday evening. Heavy, wet snow is expected in Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, Wrightwood and Idyllwild-Pine Cove.

Areas above 5,000 feet are expected to see 4 to 8 inches of snow accumulation. Some areas above 8,000 feet can expect 18 inches, according to the NWS.

Winds will be strongest from mountain ridge tops and onto the desert slopes of mountains, with speeds from 25 to 35 mph and gusts of up to 65 mph.

In areas hit by rain, residents can expect a large dose on Tuesday morning.

"The most widespread and heaviest precipitation is expected with the passage of the cold front early Tuesday morning, and periods of locally intense rainfall will be possible," the NWS said.

Here is your detailed work week forecast for Banning, via the National Weather Service:

Monday
A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Monday Night
Showers, mainly after 10pm. Low around 50. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tuesday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 53. Breezy, with a west wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west 15 to 25 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 50.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 67.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 70.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

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Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone / City News Service contributed to this report