Here's the latest weather forecast for the Southern California mountains, including Idyllwild and the Hill.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE, SAN DIEGO CA 9:08 AM PST TUE FEB 19 2013
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO NOON PST WEDNESDAY...
...Heavy snowfall in the mountains tonight through early Wednesday with lighter snowfall in the upper deserts and far inland valleys tonight...
A cold storm from the Gulf of Alaska will move through Southern California early Wednesday bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds in the mountains...
RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS- INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...AGUANGA...ANZA... GARNER VALLEY...IDYLLWILD...MOUNTAIN CENTER...PINE COVE... PINYON PINES...VISTA GRANDE...BOULEVARD...CAMERON ...CAMPO... CUYAMACA...DESCANSO...JULIAN...LAKE HENSHAW...MORENA VILLAGE... MOUNT LAGUNA...OAK GROVE...PINE HILLS...PINE VALLEY...RANCHITA... SANTA YSABEL...WARNER SPRINGS
* Snow accumulations...total amounts of 4 to 8 inches above 3,500 feet... 6 to 14 inches above 4,500 feet. local accumulations around 20 inches above 7,000 feet in the San Jacinto mountains.
* Snow levels...snow levels lowering from 4,000 feet this morning...to 3,000 to 3,500 feet this afternoon...and 2,000 to 2,500 feet tonight through early Wednesday.
* Timing...scattered light snow showers this morning will gradually increase in areal coverage and become moderate in intensity this afternoon. Snow is expected to become heavy at times by mid-evening...then decrease gradually very late tonight and Wednesday.
* Winds...southwest to west winds 25 to 35 mph...with local gusts to around 65 mph near ridge tops and along desert mountain slopes. Strongest winds will occur late today into Wednesday morning.
* Wind chill...the combination of falling temperatures and strong winds will result in coldest wind chills of 5 to 15 degrees below zero late tonight and early Wednesday...mainly above 6,500 feet.
* Visibility...reduced to near zero at times in snow...blowing snow...and dense fog...especially tonight.
* Impacts...Snow, blowing snow and dense fog will cause local visibility near zero at times. Snow will likely impact travel along Interstate 8 through the San Diego county mountains tonight and early Wednesday and possibly Interstate 10 through Banning pass late tonight. Residents and travelers into the mountains should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions.
If possible carry chains and take extra food and clothing. This weather may be deadly for unprepared campers and hikers.
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 or impossible. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
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.