Colder, Wetter Storm Moving Into Coachella Valley

Forecasters said a “very cold” storm system will move into the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs area just in time for the weekend, bringing possibly record-setting cold temperatures to the area mountains.

The storm – the result of a low pressure system coming from Canada – was expected to move south along the west coast Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service. It was expected to move inland, hitting Southern California on Friday and Saturday.

Forecasters said the storm was expected to spread rain and mountain snow with strong winds across the region on Friday night with showers continuing on Saturday. Wind gusts could reach 50 miles-per-hour.

Once the cold front moves through on Saturday morning, the snow level was expected to drop as low as 1,500-2,000 feet, dropping snow on some higher inland valley communities.

The San Gorgonio Pass, just west of Palm Springs, has an elevation of 1,594 feet, meaning drivers could see slick conditions.

Forecasters warned the weather could be deadly for unprepared motorists, campers or hikers.

Stay with KESQ.com and News Channel 3 for the latest as the storm approaches.