San Diego, California – Heavy snow and wind gusts up to 75 mph could make travel nearly impossible in the Riverside County Mountains through Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. PST Thursday for the Riverside County Mountains, including Idyllwild-Pine Cove. Additional snowfall through Wednesday will range from 3 to 8 inches between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, 8 to 16 inches from 6,000 to 7,000 feet and locally more than 20 inches above 7,500 feet. Snow levels near 5,000 feet will fall to between 3,500 and 4,500 feet by Wednesday morning. Another 3 to 8 inches of snow is expected Thursday.
Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph will gust to 65 mph, with isolated gusts to 75 mph along desert-facing slopes. Blowing snow may reduce visibility to near zero at times on mountain roads, including Highway 243 and Highway 74.
Officials urge residents and visitors to delay travel if possible and check Caltrans road conditions by calling 511 before heading into higher elevations. The warning remains in effect through Thursday night as additional snow and strong winds continue to impact the region.
