Moderate to heavy rainfall through today with possible flooding

Over the last 6 hours, as of 4:30 this morning, Palm Springs has picked up on one-tenth of an inch of rainfall. Continuous showers are expected through the day with the potential of moderate to heavy rainfall. By the late afternoon and evening, showers will begin to become less widespread. The heaviest rain will remain through the morning and early afternoon as a trough of low pressure moves across Southern California.

This is also a colder system, meaning snow levels are lower. Snow is occurring currently and will continue to do so through today. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for mountain communities. This warning will last until 7 a.m. Friday morning. An additional 4-8 inches of snowfall is expected below elevations of 4000 ft. Between 4500 ft. and 5000 ft. another 12-18 inches of snowfall is expected. As the elevation moves up above 7000 ft. there will be over 2 ft. of snowfall expected. Travel is expected to be difficult to impossible with visibility being significantly reduced.

A Flash Flood Watch is also in effect through Friday morning. This is due to the periods of potentially heavy rainfall moving into Southern California. Flash flooding will be possible especially through washes and creeks. Low water crossings may be impossible in vulnerable locations. Never drive through flooded areas. Always remember "Turn around, don't drown."

Temperatures will stay well below the normal today, with highs only reaching into the lower 50's. Over the course of the next few days, temperatures are expected to remain below the seasonal average. For reference, the average for Palm Springs today is 66°.