By Reginald Stanley. Posted December 12, 2021, 9:22 PM.

A cold, powerful Pacific storm is on track to bring significant rain and mountain snow to the region between Monday night and Wednesday morning.

The brunt of the storm is predicted to affect the region on Tuesday, with snow levels starting around approximately 6000 feet above sea level. Precipitation totals of between one and 1.5 inches for the inland valleys, with up to two inches possible in some of the more northerly inland communities and in the foothills. Slightly lower, but still significant totals of between 0.70 inches and one inch are predicted for parts of the eastern valleys, as well as in San Diego and its vicinity. Snow totals are expected to be significant above 7000 feet. A lowering snow level Tuesday night could drop snow at elevations around 3000 feet. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the mountains of Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties in effect from late Monday night through Tuesday night, as travel may become difficult or even impossible in these areas.

High winds are expected across the region on Tuesday, with the National Weather Service issuing a High Wind Watch for the San Diego County mountains as well as the high and low deserts throughout the Tuesday afternoon and evening hours. Inland, winds between approximately 30 and 40 MPH are predicted. Higher, potentially damaging gusts up to between 65 and 75 MPH possible in the mountains and deserts.