Winter Storm Warning Issued for Riverside County Mountains Through Thursday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Riverside County Mountains. The warning is effective from 10:00 AM PST Monday, February 16, through 9:00 AM PST Thursday, February 19.

Affected Areas

This alert specifically impacts the Riverside County Mountains in Southern California.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised that travel could be very difficult to impossible during this period. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, residents can call 5 1 1.

Expected Conditions

The region will experience two distinct rounds of heavy weather:

• Snow Accumulation (Monday): 3 to 6 inches expected between 6,000 and 7,000 feet; 6 to 12 inches above 7,000 feet; and up to 24 inches above 8,000 feet.
• Snow Accumulation (Wednesday - Thursday): An additional 4 to 9 inches between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, with up to 12 inches above 8,000 feet. A few additional inches are expected throughout Thursday.
• Wind Speeds: West winds will gust to 55 mph on ridges and desert slopes on Monday. By late Tuesday and Wednesday, wind gusts could reach as high as 70 mph on desert slopes, potentially causing extensive tree damage.
• Snow Levels: Levels will start around 7,000 feet on Monday before falling to near 5,000 feet. By Wednesday morning and Thursday, snow levels may drop as low as 4,000 feet.

Timeline

• Onset: Monday, February 16 at 10:00 AM PST.
• Peak Impacts: Hazardous conditions are expected to significantly impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes.
• Duration: Occasional light snow will continue through Tuesday, with the second round of moderate snow arriving Wednesday into Thursday morning.
• Expiration: The warning is scheduled to end at 9:00 AM PST on Thursday, February 19.