Brace Yourself for the California Cold Storm: Heavy Rain and Mountain Snow Expected

Southern California is in for a blast of winter as a cold storm is expected to bring rain, snow and gusty winds before clearing for the weekend.

Get ready to bundle up as Southern California is bracing for a cold storm that’s expected to bring widespread rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds. Starting Wednesday night, a band of moisture is expected to sweep through the region, bringing heavy precipitation and possible thunderstorms. A Winter Weather Advisory will go into effect from midnight to 6 p.m. Thursday, with mountain communities in San Bernardino County likely to see four to eight inches of snow at elevations above 6,000 feet and between one to two inches at elevations between 5,500 and 6,000 feet. The snow will be accompanied by strong winds, which could cause hazardous driving conditions and tree branches to fall. As a result, travel is not recommended in the mountains during the storm. A Wind Advisory is also in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday in the Riverside County Mountains and San Gorgonio Pass.

Despite the inclement weather, the storm is also bringing much-needed rain to the area, which has been experiencing drought conditions for several months. The rain is expected to clear by the weekend, making for a pleasant and sunny Mother’s Day. So, if you have outdoor plans, make sure to bundle up and stay safe during this cold storm.