Strong winds expected Monday throughout Coachella Valley

Strong winds buffeted much of Riverside County early today, and snow fell in the region’s fog-shrouded mountains.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the mountains until 6 a.m., saying up to two inches of snow will accumulate in most areas above 3,000-3,500 feet early today. But some isolated areas could see up to four inches, according to the weather service.

“Some mountain roads will become snow- and ice-covered and slippery,” according to an NWS advisory. “Temperatures will remain below freezing through early morning.”

The NWS said winds in the Inland Empire, mountains and the Coachella Valley should increase throughout the day, starting out with gusts of 15-20 miles per hour this morning. By this afternoon, 25-30 mph gusts are expected.

No rain is in the forecast for the coming days. However later tonight, a frost advisory was scheduled for valley areas, though not the Coachella Valley, from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday.

“With a cold atmosphere in place behind a departing low pressure system, areas of frost are expected late tonight through early Tuesday morning in colder, wind sheltered locations in the valleys,” according to an NWS
advisory.