Snow Possible in Murrieta Saturday

A cold storm system that will drop the snow level to an unusually low 2,000 feet could leave more than a dusting in some parts of Murrieta, a weather forecaster said today.

"We could see some snow showers in Murrieta," said NWS meteorologist Jamie Moker.

Moker said the snow would likely be mixed with rain at the lower elevations in Murrieta along Interstate 15, where the elevation is about 1,100 feet. Areas such as the Santa Rosa Plateau, which is at or above 2,000 feet, could see an inch of snow accumulating by Saturday evening, he said.

The center mass of the fast-moving storm is expected to reach the Inland
region late tonight and will include periods of heavy rain through Saturday,
along with gusty winds and temperatures 20 to 25 degrees below average for this
time of year, according to the National Weather Service.

Six to 12 inches of snow were predicted at elevations above 5,500 feet.

Forecasters said wintry conditions could make travel difficult in and around the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains. A winter storm watch for the mountains is in effect from tonight through Saturday night.

The temperature is expected to peak at 46 degrees in Murrieta tomorrow--about 20 degrees below normal, Moker said.

A flash flood warning is in effect throughout the Inland Empire from 10 p.m.
tonight to early Saturday morning.   

Moker predicts 1.75 to 2 inches of rain in Murrieta, with periodic heavy downpours after 4 p.m. Friday. Rapid runoff could trigger flooding on low-lying streets, and people were urged to take precautions.   

As the storm front sweeps to the east, high winds will follow with gusts up to 50 mph in some areas.   

There was also a possibility of thunderstorms behind the unstable air mass.

The inclement weather should clear off completely by Sunday afternoon.

City News Service contributed to this post.