The San Jacinto Mountains covered in snow Wednesday morning before the biggest storm arrives later today and tonight.
The San Jacinto Mountains covered in snow Wednesday morning before the biggest storm arrives later today and tonight.

Early this morning, Wednesday, Jan. 6, the National Weather Service in San Diego issued a revised winter storm warning for the mountains of Riverside County, which will be in effect until 4 a.m. Friday, Jan. 8.

The NWS forecasts a pair of pacific storms will bring additional periods of heavy snowfall this afternoon through Thursday night with lowering snow levels for Wednesday through Thursday night.

The NWS says residents and travelers in these areas should expect the following conditions:

* Snow levels Snow will fall around 6,000 to 6,500 feet through tonight. On Wednesday, it will lower to around 5,000 feet and then drop to between 4,000 and 4,500 feet from Wednesday night through Thursday night.

* Timing Heavier snowfall is expected Wednesday and then again late tonight. Scattered showers will continue through Thursday.

* Snow accumulations Below 5,500 feet, total snowfall through early Friday could be between 6 and 12 inches. Between the 5,500 and 7,000 elevations, one to two feet of snow may fall. Above 7,000 feet, accumulation will be greater than two feet and may be four feet in some places.

* Winds There will be areas of gusty southwest to west winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph through Thursday night

* Visibility Areas of near zero visibility may occur at times in snow, blowing snow and fog.

* Impacts Residents and travelers into the mountains should be prepared for hazardous winter driving conditions. if possible, NWS advises that they carry chains and take extra food and clothing.

* Outlook occasional light snow showers are possible through Friday. Then another storm is possible for late Saturday into early Sunday.

A winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring, according to NWS. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous.