Crime & Safety

Strong, Cold Pacific Storm Expected to Impact San Gorgonio Pass Thru Monday

Rain and snow at higher elevations may begin Friday night and continue into Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasts of a strong, wet, cold Pacific storm bearing down on a region including the San Gorgonio Pass have prompted warnings from the National Weather Service and Riverside County health officials.

The expected weather could bring 3 to 5 inches of rain in some mountain areas from Saturday through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow levels may come down as low as 2,500 feet by Saturday night and Sunday, with accumulations of 2 feet or more possible on the highest peaks on both sides of the Pass.

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The coldest temperatures over the weekend are expected overnight Sunday into Monday, with lows from Beaumont to Cabazon ranging from 32 to the low 40s, the Weather Service advised.

Light rain and snow may begin falling Friday night ahead of the main brunt of the incoming storm system. Breezy conditions in the mountains and deserts are also possible Friday night.

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By Saturday the storm is expected to be moving slowly inland across Southern Californa and it could endure through Monday, the Weather Service advised in a hazardous weather outlook statement issued Friday.

Cooler temperatures are expected, with periods of strong southwest to west wind in the mountains and deserts. Winds could increase to 55 miles per hour and greater sustained, with isolated gusts to 75 mph by Saturday afternoon and evening, according to the Weather Service.

Thunderstorms are possible with small hail or snow pellets Saturday afternoon and evening.

A winter storm warning and a high wind warning are in effect for elevations above 4,000 feet for Saturday and Sunday.

Riverside County Department of Health officials also issued a cold advisory for Sunday and Monday in Idyllwild, Pine Cove and the surrounding area in the San Jacinto Mountains on the south side of the San Gorgonio Pass.

"Behind the front on Saturday night and Sunday, showers will continue with embedded thunderstorms," the Weather Service advised. "Some thunderstorms may contain small hail. Rain and snow will diminish by daylight hours on Monday with dry weather forecast through mid-week."


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