Fast-Moving Storm Expected Monday: More West Winds, Rain, Snow in Mtns

A fast-moving Pacific storm is expected to sweep across an area including the San Gorgonio Pass on Monday, bringing more strong west winds, rain and snow at higher elevations in the mountains.

"Rainfall is expected to range from one-quarter to one-half inch at the coast to around an inch on the coastal mountain slopes . . . with locally higher amounts in San Bernardino County," the National Weather Service advised Sunday evening.

Snow levels are expected to fall to 6,000 feet or lower Monday wth several inches possible at higher elevations in the mountains on the north side of the Pass, according to the Weather Service.

"Local amounts could exceed 10 inches near the highest peaks," the Weather Service advised.

San Gorgonio Mountain north of Beaumont, Banning and Cabazon is the highest point in Southern California at 11,500 feet elevation.

A winter storm warning was issued for 6 a.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Monday for the mountains north of the Pass above 6,000 feet.

"Strong gusty westerly winds are expected in the mountains and deserts Monday and Monday night with gusts to 65 mph possible," the Weather Service advised. "This is not quite as strong as the damaging winds Saturday but still could result in some power outages . . . damage to trees and difficult driving conditions.

"Areas of blowing dust could reduce visibility locally to near zero in the desert."

As the storm system moves east, the winds could shift to offshore, northeast flow more typical of Santa Ana wind events, according to the Weather Service.

"Moderate to strong offshore flow is expected Tuesday and Wednesday with northeast winds through and below passes and canyons," the Weather Service advised. "Gusts of 60 mph are possible from late morning Tuesday through midday Wednesday."