Rain, wind, snow to be expected today; Winter storm warning for mountains

RIVERSIDE - A low pressure system moving down the California coast brought rain, gusty winds and a chance of snow to Riverside County today.

A winter storm warning for mountain areas above 5,000 feet was scheduled to go in effect at 4 p.m. It will remain in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday, according to the NWS. The warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring.

Significant amounts of snow will make travel dangerous, an NWS advisory said, noting five to nine inches of snow accumulation was likely.

Sustained southwest winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour and gusts up to 35 mph were expected through this morning. From late Friday morning through Saturday morning, winds of the same strength were expected out of the northeast.

''Only travel in an emergency,'' said an NWS advisory. ''If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.''