The first in a trio of storm systems hit the Inland Empire from the north Monday, bringing rain and heavy mountain snow.
The Riverside County Fire Department warned residents about the increased risks of the rainstorm.
“Over the next several days, our area is expected to see several inches of rain. This increases the risk of flooded roads, downed power lines, and fast-moving water,” the department said Monday afternoon. The fire department advised residents to clear storm drains near homes, avoid driving through standing water, and to slow down and give emergency vehicles space.
The National Weather Service predicted at least a half-inch of precipitation will hit the Riverside metropolitan area Monday going into Tuesday. As one trough of low pressure edges eastward, another will slip in behind it, preceded by a cold front, meteorologists said.
The agency said minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas could occur, with possible water over roadways.
“Another wave of energy moves through the trough on Wednesday, where chances for rain and mountain snow increase yet again,” the NWS said.
That may ratchet up chances for another half-inch to an inch of rainfall in valley locations, the agency said.
“Mountain snow looks to be the greatest impact of this winter storm,” the NWS said. “Potentially significant snowfall will create hazardous travel and possible power outages … At the 6,500 foot level in the San Bernardino and Riverside County mountains, there is around a 75% chance of at least 12 inches of snow.”
Up to three feet of snow is possible in higher elevations, forecasters added.
The third storm system is expected Thursday, but meteorologists say the moisture levels are unconfirmed.
A wind advisory was in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday in the areas of downtown Riverside, Temecula, Hemet, where winds between 15 to 25 mph and gusts of 30 to 45 mph are expected.
“Winds will be strongest with the passage of the cold front. The front is currently expected to pass through Orange County/Inland Empire early Monday afternoon and San Diego County late Monday afternoon,” the NWS announced.
By Tuesday, daytime temperatures will drop significantly and remain cooler for the rest of the week, lingering in the upper and mid-50s in the areas of downtown Riverside, Temecula and Hemet. In the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs temperatures were expected to linger in the upper and mid 60s.
Overnight lows will stay in the 40s throughout most of Riverside County this week.
By next weekend, temperatures are expected to rise by a few degrees throughout the county, reaching the high 60s and low 70s.