Incoming Storm to Bring Heavy Rain, High Winds, Possible Flooding

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – Warm and mostly sunny weather in Riverside County today is expected to give way to potentially damaging winds and rainfall that could cause flooding later this week as a strong Pacific storm moves into the region.

Rain may begin falling in the city of Riverside and the surrounding valleys Thursday night and overnight into Friday morning elsewhere in the county, including in the Coachella Valley. Strong winds and heavy rain are expected Friday afternoon through Friday night, according to the National Weather Service.

The strongest wind gusts Friday are expected to be 18 miles per hour in Palm Springs; 33 mph in Riverside; 38 mph in Hemet and Thermal; 40 mph in Anza; 47 mph in Temecula; and 53 mph in Lake Elsinore, according to the NWS.

The wet winter storm is also poised to deliver 1.5 to 4 inches of rain to in the majority of Riverside County, and lesser amounts in the Coachella Valley.

Anticipated rainfall amounts through Saturday are expected to be .58 of an inch in Thermal; .68 of an inch in Palm Springs; 1.39 inches in Hemet; 1.46 inches in Anza; 1.85 inches in Temecula; 2.31 inches in the city of Riverside; and 3.06 inches in Lake Elsinore, according to the NWS.

Localized flooding is probable with the heaviest rain. The Whitewater River will likely record significant flows, and watersheds like the Whitewater running though the Coachella Valley will be prone to flooding, forecasters said.

Once the soil becomes saturated, flooding may also occur at low water crossing, near stream banks, in poorly draining urban areas and below recently burned locales. Rock slides may close some steep rural highways, according to the NWS.

The winds are expected to weaken and the rainfall will lighten up Saturday. Some showers may linger into Sunday, but the region should dry out by Monday, according to the NWS.

>>CLICK HERE FOR MURRIETA FORECAST<<

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--City News Service/Morguefile image