The rain and snow has begun to fall here in Idyllwild. Accumulation of snow has begun yet. The Forest Service's Keenwild Ranger Station has recorded .34 inches of precipitation today, through 4:19 p.m. In the past week, Keenwild has recorded 1.05 inches of rain.
An urgent winter weather message from the National Weather Service. This was posted at 11:04 a.m., Friday, April 13. This winter storm warning remains in effect until 5 a.m., Saturday above 4,000 feet. A strong cold storm will affect mountains of southwest California through Saturday morning.
Snow will become heavy at times this morning and will spread southeast across the region through the afternoon.
Snow levels will start around 5,000 feet will lower to 4,000 feet by evening. Heavy snow is forecast to begin early this morning over the San Gabriel mountains and spread southeast toward the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains during the day.
In the Riverside County mountains, expect snowfall, perhaps a lot, in the following communities: Aguanga, Anza, Garner Valley, Idyllwild, Mountain Center, Pine Cove, Pinyon Pines and Vista Grande;
* Snow levels...5,000 feet this morning lowering to 4,000 feet this afternoon and down to 3,500 feet tonight into early Saturday.
* Snow accumulations — 3 to 6 inches above 4,000 feet...6 to 12 inches above 5,000 feet and locally higher amounts are possible on the highest peaks
* Winds...southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts over 50 mph... shifting to the west late this afternoon.
* Visibility...near zero at times in snow and fog...and blowing snow.
* Impacts...snow accumulating along interstate 15 near the Cajon summit from late this morning through Saturday morning.
Precautionary/preparedness actions — A winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. if you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.