Cold winter storm saturates Riverside County bringing rain, wind, snow

RIVERSIDE - A cold winter storm saturated Riverside County today, bringing gusty winds to the Coachella Valley, heavy snow to the mountains and rain to valley areas.

A winter storm warning for higher mountain areas was in effect until 10 p.m. The snow level will fall to around 3,000 feet by this afternoon, and snowfall rates of two inches or more per hour are possible through tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

''The snow showers will gradually taper off late (tonight),'' an NWS advisory said. ''However, additional snow showers will be possible over the mountains on Saturday, as a secondary weaker disturbance moves across Southern California.''

Four to 12 inches of snow accumulation is expected between 4,000 and 5,500 feet, while 12 to 22 inches of snow accumulation is expected above 5,500 feet.

In addition to the snow, the mountains were buffeted by sustained 15 to 25 mile per hour winds, gusting up to 40 mph today, according to the weather service.

The agency cautioned motorists through the Cajon Pass to be extra careful, saying travel will be hazardous due to slippery roadways and poor visibility in heavy snow, blowing snow and fog.

In addition to snow in the mountains, the storm is expected to drop up to two-thirds of an inch of rain in the Inland Empire. The weather service said moderate to heavy rain is likely between 3 and 11 a.m., and thunderstorms with hail are possibly mainly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The weather service scheduled a wind advisory for the Coachella Valley from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., saying there will be sustained 20 to 30 mph winds gusting up to 50 mph today.

''Driving will be difficult, especially for motorists with high profile vehicles,'' an NWS advisory said. ''Blowing sand may also damage windshields.''