Steady Rain But No Flooding With Latest Storm System

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Light to moderate rain swept through western Riverside County Wednesday in the second winter storm to roll across the region in a week, but no flooding was reported as the system trailed away.

The Riverside County Emergency Management Department advised that scattered thunderstorms gathering energy to the southwest could pose a flood risk to neighborhoods ringing Lake Elsinore if downpours occur in the Cleveland National Forest. Staff were slated to remain on duty through the night, monitoring storm activity, but no evacuation warnings appeared imminent.

Rainfall totals from the metropolitan Riverside area to the Temecula Valley were generally a tenth of an inch to a half-inch.

The county Department of Transportation closed one road in Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park because of debris and other hazards after a band of showers moved through Moreno Valley Wednesday morning.

The California Highway Patrol said there were several weather-related accidents along the Riverside (91) Freeway and Interstate 15, but none resulted in injuries.

According to the National Weather Service, the upper level trough will weaken into Thursday, though instability will linger, with isolated showers likely throughout the day.

Snow levels were down to 6,500 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, with light accumulations Wednesday, meteorologists said.

The high in Riverside topped out at 53 degrees Wednesday afternoon, while Palm Springs International Airport recorded a high of 65.

Last week's winter weather, producing periodic heavy downpours, resulted in mandatory evacuations for residents in Glen Ivy Hot Springs, Horsethief Canyon, north Lake Elsinore and parts of the Temescal Valley south of Corona Wednesday and Thursday.

All the evacuated locations abut the Cleveland National Forest, where the 23,000-acre Holy Fire in August denuded hillsides, raising the potential for damaging flash floods, mud and debris flows.

Public safety officials told the Riverside County Board of Supervisors Tuesday that evacuations will be a re-occurring possibility for the duration of rainy season.

— By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock