State Diaster Emergency request

Yesterday, Acting Governor Abel Maldonado requested President Obama declare a major disaster for the State of California, including Riverside County as a result of severe winter storms.

Maldonado estimated total expenses have exceeded $100 million and were continuing to grow. Riverside County costs were more than $10.5 million.

In the letter, Maldonado discussed the damage caused by last week’s rains and emphasized that the National Weather Service was predicting more rainfall during the next week.[Editor’s note: Idyllwild received more than 1.5 inches Wednesday, Dec. 29.]

Other counties included in the state’s request for emergency assistance are Inyo, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Tulare.

On Dec. 14, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had already ordered the implementation of State Emergency Plan. A week later, in accordance with federal law, he proclaimed State of Emergency in six counties including Riverside.

Weather: Thurs. Dec 30 sunny & cold

It's sunny today in the mountains. See the photos from this morning. The roads, especially the highways, are clear and gravel or cinder has been dropped.


But the National Weather Service forecast is for a high of 34º, ice in the shade is unlikely to melt until tomorrow when temperatures are expected to cross above 40º. Yesterday more than 1.5 inches of rain fell at Keenwild Ranger Station.

The total since July 1 is now 18.83 inches. The average rainfall from July 1 through Dec. 31 is 9.22 inches. The annual average rainfall is 25.67 inches.

Riverside County Fire collecting storm damage info

Riverside County Fire/OES Seeks Storm Data Information

In an effort to assist Riverside County residents affected by the recent storms, the Office of Emergency Services is gathering storm damage information.

Residents living in the unincorporated areas in Riverside County who sustained storm-related damage to their homes, businesses, and vehicles are urged to report that damage to the Riverside County Office of Emergency Services.

The Riverside County Fire Department, Office of Emergency Services (OES) is the lead Emergency Management agency for the County of Riverside and serves as the liaison between our cities, special districts and other agencies to the State and Federal Governments.

Residents may call 951-955-8440 during normal business hours (Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to report damages. Damage reports may also be submitted via email to rvceoc@fire.ca.gov.

Please include your name, phone number, address and any damage-related photos.
For more information on flood preparation and flood safety, visit www.rvcfire.org or www.floodcontrol.co.riverside.ca.us.

latest weather

SHORT TERM FORECAST
1226 PM PST WED DEC 29 2010

National Weather Service San Diego CA

SAN BERNARDINO and RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-

.NOW... rain will change over to intermittent

showers in the Inland Empire this afternoon.

Steady snow will continue over the

Riverside County mountains where several inches

of new snow are likely above 6500 feet.

Intermittent snow showers will taper off over

the San Bernardino mountains this afternoon.

Oh yes, as of 30 minutes ago, Keenwild Ranger Station

has recored .75 inches of rain today, the total this

month is over 12 inches.

Since July 1, Keenwild has recorded 18 inches. The

long-term (since 1948) annual average rainfall in Idyllwild

has been 25.7 inches.

We're more than 70 percent there, with six months to go.

but don't forget the La Niña pattern may still arrive

after New Year's.

Weather: Wed. Dec 29 Snow, Rain, Ice?

The soft wet snow has turned to rain. The main roads have
been plowed and with the rain tires
are making direct contact with the pavement.
Keep in mind regardless of the snow
or rain forecast for today.
The cold front is “cold” tonight so roads
will turn icy and be that way
in Thursday morning.

Below are some photos from around town this morning.

SHORT TERM FORECAST
National Weather Service San Diego CA
 San Bernardino and Riverside County mountains-
 1125 am pst wed dec 29 2010
 .now... at 1130 am...
steady rain was moving southeast across the area. the
rain will change over to intermittent showers this afternoon.
snow will fall in the mountains above 5000 feet.

Here we see Emily White, of Idyllwild Inn, clearing the entrance to the office.




















These photos were submitted 
by Pat Smith and Mike Freitas.

CALTRANS says chains

this just arrived

SR-243 from Mountain Center to Idyllwild (Riverside County)

Until further notice, CalTrans is requiring chains on all commercial vehicles (trucks or buses).

All other vehicles (cars, pick-ups, vans, etc.) must have

either snow tread tires or chains on the drive axle.

Weather Wednesday Dec 29 SNOW

Well for all you sentimentalists, Idyllwild may have a delayed "White Christmas". Some snow has already fallen and below is the latest National Weather Service Forecast for the remainder of today, Wednesday, Dec. 29.

Winter Storm Warning
Urgent - winter weather message national weather service 
San Diego ca 2:32 am pst wed Dec 29 2010 
 ...WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS 
at the higher elevations today...  .a cold front will bring snow...
blowing snow and strong gusty winds to the higher elevations today. 
Snow levels will start near 6500 feet and then lower to near 4000 feet
by this evening. there could be heavy snow above
6000 feet this morning with the frontal passage.  
San Bernardino county mountains-Riverside County mountains-
including the following locations...angelus oaks...baldwin lake... barton flats...
big bear city...big bear lake...crestline... fawnskin...forest falls..
.i-15 at cajon summit... i-15 at 3500 feet...lake arrowhead...mount baldy...
mountain home village...oak glen...phelan...running springs... twin peaks...
wrightwood... aguanga... 
ANZA...GARNER VALLEY... IDYLLWILD...MOUNTAIN CENTER...
PINE COVE...PINYON PINES... VISTA GRANDE
...winter storm warning in effect until 8 pm pst this evening above 6000 feet... 
* snow levels: 6000 feet with the heavy snow at 7000 feet and   
higher. the snow level will drop to 5000 feet by wednesday  afternoon...
then to 4000 feet and locally lower to around   
3000 feet wednesday night. by wednesday night...light snow   
showers are expected.  
* snow accumulations: over one foot above 7000 feet...4 to 8   
inches above 6000 feet.  
* timing: this morning with snow showers and strong gusty winds   
continuing into this evening. 
* winds: up to 35 to 45 mph with gusts around 65 mph.
* visibility: near zero in blowing snow and dense fog.  
* impacts: travel will be difficult on the mountain roads.   
lower elevation roads will become icy wednesday night...
including possibly interstate 15 through cajon summit.  
precautionary/preparedness actions... 
a winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions
are expected or occurring.  significant amounts of snow are forecast that
will make travel dangerous. only travel in an emergency. if you must travel...
keep an extra flashlight... food...clothing and water in your vehicle in case
of an emergency. hazardous driving conditions will exist due to slick and icy roads.
if possible...carry chains.