Winter Storm watch remains in effect through Wednesday

FILE PHOTO: San Gorgonio Mountain towers over the horizon with a fresh blanket of snow over Temecula Valley after a recent cold storm in the region. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo

Areas affected include San Bernardino County Mountains, Riverside County Mountains, the cities of Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, and Wrightwood.

Heavy snow and strong winds are expected from Tuesday through Wednesday afternoon. with total snowfall accumulations of 2 to 5 inches between 6000 and 7000 feet, 6 to 12 inches between 7000 and 8000 feet, and 1 to 2 feet above 8000 feet. Elevations above 7000 feet will have the potential to see a foot of snow, with localized higher amounts above 8000 feet. The snow will come with strong south-to-southwest winds of 30 to 40 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH.

FILE PHOTO: Amy Procop captures this image of the moon setting behind Cahuilla Mountain with everything covered in crystal whiteness Wednesday, Feb. 16. Anza Valley Outlook/Courtesy photo

The storm watch is for elevations in the San Bernardino County Mountains and Riverside County Mountains generally above 6000 feet. Snow levels will be near 8000 feet through Tuesday but will fall to around 5500 feet by Wednesday morning. The strongest winds will occur near ridge tops and along desert slopes.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible due to dense fog, and heavy blowing snow at times. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

City News Service (CNS)