A powerful storm reaches the Inland Empire, with four straight days of rain in the forecast and dangerous flooding coming in parts of Riverside County on Sunday and Monday, forecasters said Saturday.
“Confidence is high that widespread heavy rain and mountain snow will occur on Monday and Tuesday,” according to the National Weather Service.
They also warned of an “atmospheric river” that will push through California leading to flooding in many areas of Riverside County.
There’s a 60% chance of precipitation for Saturday evening and Sunday, with wind gusts up to 20 mph. Forecasters said rainfall could produce at a rate of 2-4 inches per hour, with the highest at over 8 inches along the coastal slopes of the San Bernardino mountains.
Heavy rainfall and possibly a thunderstorm is leading into next week with daytime temperatures are expected in the 50s and 60s but dipping into the 40s at night. Mountain areas could see temperatures struggle to reach 60 degrees.
“Significant snowfall above 8,000 feet will occur, with totals of 6-12 inches for areas between 6,000 and 8,000 feet,” according to NWS.
A flood watch was in effect from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. A winter storm warning was in effect from 10 p.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Tuesday for Riverside County.
The Riverside County Fire Department will provide a limited number of sandbags per household to reduce or prevent flood water damage. To secure a sandbag, go to linktree/calfirerru for the nearest location.