WEATHER ADVISORY: Cold Front Bringing Rain, Snow, Wind With It

A cold low-pressure system that has drifted over the area is expected to drench the Inland Empire with up to an inch of rain through Saturday, forecasters reported today.

There is a slight chance of thunderstorms and small hail this afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.

But the mountains and deserts are where most of the weather drama is expected to take place.

The NWS issued a wind advisory for the Coachella Valley and a winter weather advisory for the mountains from 3 o'clock this morning to 3 a.m. Saturday. During the wind advisory period, sustained west winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour -- gusting up to 55 mph -- were expected in the Coachella Valley.

"The winds will make driving difficult, especially for motorists with high profile vehicles," according to an NWS advisory. "Watch for broken tree limbs and downed power lines."

In the mountains, snow levels around 4,500 feet this morning were expected to fall to around 3,000 to 3,500 later today and to 2,500 feet overnight. Also, sustained winds of 15 to 30 mph were expected to cause blowing snow in the mountains today, reducing visibility to a quarter-mile or less at times.

The heaviest snow is expected during the day today, according to the NWS. The agency said four to eight inches of snow accumulation is likely above 4,000 feet, and up to 10 inches is possible on higher elevated coastal slopes.

"Slick, snow covered roads and reduced visibility will make travel hazardous through the mountains," an NWS advisory said. "Chains may be required for some roads." --City News Service contributed to this report