Snowy Ortega Highway Commute: Update

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Moderate snow was falling onto the Ortega Highway between El Cariso and the Falls late Wednesday afternoon, but as of 4:22 p.m. the California Highway Patrol advised the powder was not sticking to the roadway.

The National Weather Service reported that low snow levels were expected through Wednesday night.

Thursday morning commuters could see similar snow conditions witnessed Wednesday morning, with some powder accumulation through El Cariso Village and dusting below the higher-elevation community.

Wednesday night and Thursday night were expected to be "unusually cold," with temperatures in El Cariso forecast to plummet below freezing. At 5 p.m. Wednesday, the temperature in El Cariso was reported at 33 degrees, according to the NWS.

El Cariso is approximately 12 miles west of Lake Elsinore.

Nearby foothill communities were experiencing similar cold temperatures. As of 5 p.m., the mercury in La Cresta dipped to 36 degrees.

Showers will decrease late Wednesday, with dry weather to follow for the rest of the month, according to the NWS.