Rain in Lake Elsinore Should Last Through Wednesday; Expect Snow in Local Mountains

A weak Pacific cold front is likely to bring light to moderate rain to Riverside County throughout Tuesday, meteorologists said.

Most of the precipitation will fall during the morning hours, according to the National Weather Service office in San Diego, which said the morning’s rainfall would be the first of two “impulses,” with the second coming later Tuesday and lasting through Wednesday.

Mountain areas will be under a flash flood watch from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding, the NWS said.

The Weather Service said the unstable weather will linger into Wednesday.

Starting Wednesday morning, the first snowfall of the season is expected in mountain areas above 5,000 feet, with 2 to 4 inches of snow accumulation possible, the NWS said.

A winter weather advisory for Riverside County’s higher peaks -- including Idyllwild and Pine Cove -- is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. A winter weather advisory is issued when periods of snow are expected to make driving dangerous.

During the advisory period, sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour and gusts up to 45 mph are also expected in higher mountain areas.

“Residents and travelers into higher elevations in the mountains should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions due to slick roads,” the NWS said. “If possible, carry chains and take extra food and clothing.”

— City News Service.