Rain, Wind Hitting Lake Elsinore, Wildomar Monday

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — (Updated) A storm system that has pounded the northwestern tier of the nation is sliding into Southern California, bringing rain to the Inland Empire Monday and into early Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters said that the deep trough originating from the Gulf of Alaska will tap into an "atmospheric river" that will fuel widespread showers across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, but nothing like what other areas further north were experiencing over the weekend.

Instead, Western Riverside County could see up to a half-inch of rainfall between about 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday.

The Coachella Valley rainfall will be significantly less, although showers are expected during the same time period.

Rainfall amounts in the San Bernardino Mountains are forecast at 1 to 2 inches.

The Weather Service noted that the system will not generate appreciable snowfall at higher elevations because it is enveloped by "warm, subtropical" air.

"A dusting of snow may occur on the highest peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains," the NWS stated.

A wind advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. Monday to 2 a.m. Tuesday across the mountains and San Gorgonio Pass Area. Southwest to west winds 20 to 35 mph with local gusts to 55 mph are expected, according to the NWS.

Wind gusts in Western Riverside County could reach 25 mph and up to 30 mph in the Coachella Valley.

The storm will move east Tuesday and a ridge of high pressure will restore dry conditions to the area, forecasters said.

Although the storm will bring cooler conditions to Riverside County, it's not expected to bring excessively cold temperatures to the region.