Community Corner
UPDATE: Storm Brings Heavy Rains to Murrieta, Cancels Santa Runs
At least an inch of rain had fallen in Murrieta as of 8 a.m., according to a weather service report, prompting the city of Murrieta to close its sports fields for the day.
UPDATE: Rain has forced the city of Murrieta Community Services Department to cancel Santa runs to Murrieta neighborhoods tonight.
"We are always disappointed when we have to cancel/reschedule but we need to remember the safety of Santa, the choir, the characters, staff and the public first and foremost," said Laura Frasso, special events coordinator for the city of Murrieta.
This evening's stops were set to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Chaco Canyon Road and Colmar/Chantenay Lanes and end at 9 p.m. at The Villas Apartments.
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Frasso said this evening's stops are being rescheduled for Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
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A cold Pacific storm was expected to bring rain and snow to Riverside County today and Tuesday, forecasters said.
Precipitation affected the morning commute and was forecast to become heavy at times, according to the National Weather Service. There will also be periods of rain this afternoon and isolated thunderstorms, it said.
Rainfall totals will range from a quarter-inch for the Inland Empire to an inch and half in higher terrain, NWS forecasters said.
One Murrieta reporting station showed 1.39 inches of rain had fallen in Murrieta as of 8 a.m. Monday. However, Michael Watkins, an NWS representative out of San Diego, said the service showed .38 of an inch for Murrieta in the last 24 hours, with a "moderate" amount of more precipitation headed to the area.
Reports can vary depending on where in the city they are taken, Watkins said.
The rain prompted the City of Murrieta Community Services Department to close its fields for the day and possibly further into the week.
"Please note rain is forecasted all day tomorrow, if this should be accurate, plan on fields being closed until Thursday at the earliest," said the department in an emailed announced. "Lights will be canceled and turned off any days the fields are closed."
The department was also discussing whether to still hold this evening. They were expected to make the decision by 4:30 p.m. depending on weather forecasts.
Heavy snowfall is expected in the mountains this afternoon through Tuesday morning. A winter storm warning is scheduled for mountain areas above 5,000 feet from 10 a.m. today to 2 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the Weather Service, a few inches of snow will accumulate around 5,000 feet but areas above 6,000 feet could receive up to 10 inches.
"Residents and travelers into higher elevations in the mountains should be prepared for hazardous winter weather conditions and possible road closures. If possible, carry chains and take extra food and clothing," said an NWS advisory.
--Maggie Avants and City News Service contibuted to this report.
