More rain is expected across Riverside County Tuesday, before a lull in this week’s series of storm systems is followed by more precipitation on Thursday.
A winter storm warning remains in effect until noon Wednesday in the mountains, where up to three feet of snow is expected at higher elevations.
The first in a trio of storm systems hit the Inland Empire from the north on Monday, bringing rain and heavy mountain snow.
The National Weather Service expected at least a half-inch of precipitation to hit the Riverside metropolitan area 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.
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.
Strong winds are expected Tuesday, with afternoon gusts up to 50 mph in the San Gorgonio Pass, 55 mph in the mountains, and 30 mph in the Coachella Valley.
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.
The third storm system is expected Thursday.
By next weekend, temperatures are expected to rise by a few degrees throughout the county, reaching the high 60s and low 70s.