Winter Weather Coming to Southern California?

A cold Pacific storm system is heading into Southern California and is expected to bring rain today to the Inland Empire with possible heavy snowfall in the local mountains.
The slow-moving storm is expected to arrive Monday and "bring the return of wintry weather to Southern California," according to the National Weather Service.

Showers and possible thunderstorms are expected to make Inland Empire freeways soggy for commuters making their return trips home.

A winter storm warning will be in effect for the mountains as moderate snow, to heavy at times, is anticipated today through Tuesday. Snow levels are expected to drop to between 4,000 and 4,500 feet today.  Snow amounts may range from 12-20 inches.

Mountain travelers are warned that visibility could be reduced later today to a quarter-mile or less in heavy snow and fog. Beware of possible road closures, and chains may be required in heavy snowfalls.

The greatest snowfall amounts will be across the eastern San Bernardino mountains and southward across Mount San Jacinto, in Riverside County.

Winds Return to Southern California

The Santa Ana winds will sweep across Southern California once again, bringing gusts of over 60 mph in the mountains on Monday, the National Weather Service predicted.

"Gusty Santa Ana winds will develop across Los Angeles and Ventura counties early Monday morning," the weather agency said.

A high-wind warning is in effect through Tuesday, forecasters said.

Intense winds over the past week left thousands of people without electricity. Crews in Southern California cleaned up downed power lines and damaged structures Sunday.

The unusually powerful Santa Ana winds descend to the Pacific Coast around Los Angeles from inland desert regions, according to the weather service.