Winter Weather Advisory Issued In RivCo Mountains Due To Snow, Wind

INLAND EMPIRE, CA ? A winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service for mountain communities in Riverside County due to impending snow and gusty winds.

The advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and includes all Riverside and San Bernardino mountain communities above 5,500 feet.

The NWS is predicting total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches with 8 inches possible near the highest peaks. Wind gusts of 20-30 mph are forecast, and up to 45 mph on ridges and desert slopes.

Some snow could fall as low as 4,800 feet before by evening, though accumulations at the level will be less than one inch, according to the NWS.

The NWS recommends using caution when driving in mountain communities.

"The winter weather can create slippery and hazardous road conditions and gusty winds could knock down tree branches," the agency reported.

Daytime high temperatures at the highest elevations were expected to reach the upper 20s, with overnight lows hovering around 20 degrees.

The snow and cold temperatures are part of a storm system that is expected to arrive Wednesday morning, bringing rain across Riverside. The winter weather will be followed by a second system over the weekend that will bring more rain, cold and snow to the region, according to the NWS.