Pacific Storm Brings Heavy Rain to Banning, Beaumont

A powerful Pacific storm brought moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, snow and a possibility of thunderstorms to Riverside County Friday.

The National Weather Service said the inclement weather will continue into much of the weekend, though the heaviest rainfall was expected Friday morning into the afternoon, with rainfall rates in excess of one inch an hour possible.

A flash flood watch is in effect from 6 a.m. Friday to late Saturday night for the Riverside metropolitan area and local mountain areas, though the Coachella Valley could also see flooding due to last year's massive Mountain Fire.

"The Mountain Fire in the San Jacinto Mountains is also a threat for debris flows down the eastern slopes of the mountains into a portion of Palm Springs," the NWS said.

A winter storm warning for mountain areas above 6,500 feet is in effect until 3 a.m. Sunday. In issuing the warning, the weather service said 10 to 20 inches of snow accumulation is likely above 6,500 feet, with local amounts exceeding 4 feet above 7,500 to 8,000 feet.

"Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous," the NWS advisory said. "Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."

The agency also advised motorists in the mountains to carry chains and extra clothing.

Higher elevations, along with the Coachella Valley, also are expected to see sustained south to southwest winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour and widespread gusts up to 60 mph. Isolated gusts up to 75 mph in the most wind- prone areas are also likely, according to the weather service.

A high wind warning for the mountains and the Coachella Valley took effect at 1 a.m. and is expected to last until 6 a.m. Saturday.

A slightly less serious wind advisory is scheduled in the Riverside metropolitan area is in effect until 8 p.m. According to the weather service, the Inland Empire will likely see sustained south to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 40 mph.

For your weekend planning, here's what the National Weather Service says you can expect in Banning: 

• Friday:  Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 55. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
• Friday Night:  Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 49. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
• Saturday:  Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 51. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
• Saturday Night:  Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10pm, then showers likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 41. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
• Sunday:  A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Southwest wind around 10 mph.
• Sunday Night:  A 20 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.
• Monday:  Partly sunny, with a high near 59.

And here's the forecast for Beaumont: 

• Friday:  Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 59. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
• Friday Night:  Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 48. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
• Saturday:  Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 54. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
• Saturday Night:  Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10pm, then showers likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 42. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
• Sunday:  A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Sunday Night:  A 20 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.
• Monday:  Partly sunny, with a high near 63.