Get Ready for Nearby Snow, Lake Elsinore! 'Heavy Snowfall' Expected in Local Mountains

Rain, heavy at times this afternoon, will douse Riverside County today, and there is a slight chance of thunderstorms.

A flash flood watch issued by the National Weather Service will be in force from 10 this morning through late Wednesday night in some county areas, including the valleys around Riverside, the county’s mountains, and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, but not in the Coachella Valley.

In the mountains, where rain and snow are expected, a winter storm warning, reflecting difficult travel conditions and high winds, will be in effect until 4 a.m. Wednesday above 6,000 feet, and from late tonight until late Thursday night above 4,500 feet.

Also issued for mountain areas was a flash flood watch -- from 10 a.m. today until 4 a.m. Wednesday below 6,000 feet and from late tonight through late Wednesday night below 4,500 feet.

In the Coachella Valley, there’s a slight chance of rain this morning and a better chance of it in the afternoon.

Highs today will be in the 50s and 60s.

If you have a smartphone, you likely received an alert from Google warning you about the local storm. Google shared the following information from the National Weather Service on the storm:

Winter Storm Warning in effect from late tonight to late Thursday night above 4500 feet.

• Snow levels: around 6000 to 6500 feet through tonight. Lowering to around 5000 feet Wednesday, and 4000 to 4500 feet for Wednesday night through Thursday night.
• Timing: isolated light snow showers through early this morning with periods of heavier snowfall for late this morning through this evening and early Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning. Light to moderate snow possible Thursday afternoon through Thursday night.
• Snow accumulations: snowfall through early Friday of 6 to 12 inches below 5000 feet, 1 to 2 feet between 5000 and 7000 feet, and 2 to locally 4 feet above 7000 feet.
• Winds: for this afternoon through Wednesday evening, areas of gusty southwest to west winds 2o to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph.
• Visibility: areas of near zero visibilities at times in snow, blowing snow, and fog.
• Impacts: residents and travelers into the mountains should be prepared for hazardous winter driving conditions. If possible, carry chains and take extra food and clothing.
• Outlook, another weaker storm is possible for late Saturday into early Sunday.

—City News Service contributed to this report.