Intense Rain
RIVERSIDE (CNS) – A significant rain event is expected to arrive in the Inland Empire Friday.
“A defined band of precipitation will move through the region beginning after midnight, spreading moderate rainfall eastward, which may be heavy at times in the mountains,” according to the National Weather Service.
The agency posted a flood watch for portions of western Riverside County and large swaths of San Bernardino County, starting just after midnight and running until 4 p.m. Friday.
“Of particular concern is the overly saturated portions of the San Bernardino Mountains and adjacent drainage basins, spreading into the Inland Empire,” the NWS stated. “Lower intensities of rainfall will be required to lead to further instances of flash flooding, landslides and debris flows.”
Meteorologists predicted 1 to 3 inches of precipitation in and around the mountains, while lower elevations, including the Riverside metropolitan area, can expect close to an inch of rain before the storm system exits into Arizona overnight Friday into Saturday morning, after which skies will clear for the remainder of the weekend and early next week.
“Snow levels will generally remain between 7,500 and 8,000 feet for the bulk of precipitation Friday morning and afternoon, though snow levels will rapidly fall to around 5,000 feet by Saturday morning as the upper level trough of low pressure moves overhead,” the NWS said. Two to three inches of snow is possible near 7,000 feet, with eight to 12 inches possible near mountain peaks.
Cal Fire and the Riverside County Office of Emergency Services circulated messages via social media reminding Inland residents to drive carefully amid downpours and avoid hazardous conditions wherever possible.
On Wednesday, the California Highway Patrol recorded numerous minor to moderate traffic accidents due to the rainstorm. A U.S. Postal Service vehicle overturned on wet streets in El Cerrito, but the mail carrier escaped with minor injuries.
Forecasters said the region is in store for a moderate to strong Santa Ana windstorm, beginning sometime late Sunday through Monday as a ridge of high pressure builds over the Great Basin of Nevada and Utah.
“Given the recent rainfall, there’s not as high of a fire concern, but the potential for strong wind gusts through and below mountain passes is worth noting,” according to the NWS.
Another atmospheric river may generate moderate to heavy rain for New Year’s, according to the weather service.
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