Storm Forecast Prompts Cancellation of DUI Checkpoint Saturday in San Jacinto

Storm forecasts Friday prompted sheriff's officials to cancel a DUI-Drivers License checkpoint in San Jacinto that was scheduled from 7 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday.

"Due to the anticipated rain storm arriving in the valley the checkpoint has been canceled and will be rescheduled in the near future," Sgt. Ken Southern of the San Jacinto Police Department said in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

A California Highway Patrol DUI checkpoint in the Hemet-San Jacinto area planned for Friday night and early Saturday remained scheduled.

The checkpoint is planned from 9 p.m. March 16 to 3 a.m. March 17, a CHP spokesman said. The exact location was not disclosed.

Forecasters on Friday also advised snow is possible Sunday as low as 2,000 feet in Banning, Beaumont and Yucaipa, and warned that snow, sleet or freezing rain could impact motorists on Interstate 10.

In addition to a for elevations above 3,000 feet and a high wind warning for Saturday and Sunday, the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for elevations 2,000 and above on Sunday.

"Very low elevation snow possible late Saturday and Sunday," forecasters said in an urgent winter weather message Friday. "A very cold and late season winter storm will move across Southern California Saturday through early Monday . . . with periods of moderate to locally heavy snowfall."

Valleys of San Bernardino and Riverside counties were included in the advisory, which specifically named Beaumont and Yucaipa.

The winter weather advisory was issued for 2 a.m. Sunday to 5 p.m. Sunday above 2,000 feet.

"Snow levels will rapidly fall to around 2,000 feet late Saturday night and early Sunday morning," the Weather Service advised. "Accumulations: Up to 2 inches. Timing: Early Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon. Locations include: Potrero . . . Beaumont . . . Yucaipa . . . Ramona."

"Residents and travelers in the higher foothills of the Inland Empire "should be preparted for hazardous winter weather conditions and possible road closures. Travel will likely be impacted on Interstate 15 through the Cajon Pass . . . on Interstate 10 through Banning . . . late Saturday night and at times on Sunday."

A winter weather advisory means periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties, the Weather Service stated.

"Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities . . . and use caution while driving."