Winter Storm Watch issued for freezing weather, rain, snow, gusty winds to 75 mph

RIVERSIDE - A cold storm is set to move into the Inland Empire late Sunday, and should bring colder temperatures, gusty wind, rain and snow to some areas Monday, the National Weather Service forecast today.

The storm may bring 2 to 5 inches of snow Monday to mountain areas at altitudes as low as 2,500 feet, such as Angelus Oaks, Idyllwild and Anza, according to the NWS. Forecasters hedged their bets, but said accumulations of between 8 and 12 inches were possible on mountaintops by Monday night.

Strong and potentially damaging winds are expected in deserts and mountain areas as well, the NWS s...