Still welcome, the Idyllwild International Festival off Cinema is still this week.
Still welcome, the Idyllwild International Festival off Cinema is still this week.

About noon, Thursday, Jan. 7, the National Weather Service in San Diego issued a winter weather advisory for the mountains of Riverside County, which will be in effect until 10 p.m. tonight. The previous winter storm warnings have been lifted.

The NWS forecasts “a low pressure system over California will move inland later today with showers decreasing from the northwest during the day. Heavy snow showers will be possible through early evening [and] with shower activity dissipating later in the night.”

Since Tuesday afternoon, Keenwild Ranger Station has recorded more than 2 3/4 inches of rain and between 6 to 10 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild. Fern Valley and Pine Cove have received much more snow. According to Becky Smith of Pine Cove Water District, about 7 inches fell near the office, but more than 1 1/2 feet near the tanks at a higher elevation.

The main are clear to the surface, but wet. As temperatures drop this evening, icy conditions will prevail until morning.

A cute couple outside the Town Crier
A cute couple outside the Town Crier

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

* Snow levels Snow will remain as low as between 4,000 and 4,500 feet.

* Timing Snow showers, with some heavy, may still occur through Thursday evening and “dissipating overnight, according to the NWS.

* Snow accumulations Above 4,500 feet, total snowfall accumulations could be 2 to 4 inches through this evening.

* Winds There will be areas of gusty southwest to west winds 15 to 25 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.