Below are the latest National Weather Service forecasts for the Idyllwild area. The Short term note was posted about 8 a.m. and the winter advisory about 3:30 a.m.
Short Term Forecast
National Weather Service San Diego CA
8:01 am pst Thusday Dec 13 2012
Riverside County mountains
Showers will slowly increase in coverage and intensity as they continue to move north at about 25 mph across the Riverside mountains. Additional rainfall amounts will be generally less than two tenths of an inch. Snow will occur in locations above 6,000 feet...with additional snowfall amounts of an inch or less. Use caution while driving...as roads are very slick...and patchy fog and blowing snow may reduce visibilities.
Winter Weather Advisory
National Weather Service San Diego CA
3:33 am pst Thursday Dec 13 2012 ...
Cold pacific storm to produce wintry weather in the mountains today.
A cold pacific system will continue to deepen south along the California coast today before moving inland across southern California this evening into tonight. Most of the snow will occur through this evening as the cold front moves through the area. Snow levels will initially be around 6,000 feet this morning then gradually fall to between 4,000 to 4,500 feet late this evening. Snow levels may locally lower down to 3,500 feet in heavier showers tonight. The San Bernardino mountains are likely to see the most snowfall with total snow amounts of 6 to 8 inches... locally up to 12 inches on the highest peaks.
The Riverside and San Diego county mountains will likely see total snowfall of around 2 to 6 inches over the highest elevations, including the following locations Idyllwild, Pine Cove and Vista Grande.
* Timing...late tonight through Thursday afternoon.
* Snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches above 6,000 feet and 2 to 4 inches between 5,000 and 6,000 feet and a dusting to 1 inch down to 4,000 feet. locally higher amounts possible above 6,000 feet.
* Winds...west 10 to 15 mph with gusts of 25 mph tonight.
* Visibility...locally down to a mile or less in snow...blowing snow...and fog.
* Impacts...travelers through the mountains should be prepared for hazardous winter weather conditions. Motorists are urged to check the latest road reports before departing. Always carry chains and take extra food and clothing if you must travel into the mountains.
* Outlook...some lingering light snow showers may continue into late Friday morning. There is the potential for some additional light snow Friday night and Sunday due to some disturbances that may move through the area.
Precautionary/preparedness actions... a winter weather advisory means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving.
