By Reginald Stanley. Posted December 25, 2021, 1:02 AM.

An atmospheric river storm system brought widespread rainfall and wind to the region Thursday and Friday, with the bulk of the precipitation falling overnight into Friday morning.

All active WeatherCurrents stations observed totals exceeding one inch at minimum, and over three inches at most (Simi Valley). The majority of inland communities recorded between one and two inches of rainfall by the end of Friday, with foothill and mountain slopes benefiting most - followed by the Temecula Valley. Eastern valley communities received modest rainfall, while Riverside (Orangecrest) ended on the somewhat drier side of the storm with 1.17 inches. Simi Valley's more northerly location once again provided higher rainfall than many other WeatherCurrents stations, while the normally rainshadowed Pinon Hills also observed modestly high rainfall. One prominent example of enhanced rainfall dynamics during this atmospheric river event, courtesy of orographic lift, occurred along the southern slopes of the San Bernardino mountains - particularly in East Highland - where an incredible grand total of 8.56 inches was reported by Friday evening (courtesy of Peter Michas). Nearly six inches of that rain reportedly fell on Thursday alone, where sustained heavy rainfall was reported by contributor Peter Michas for a substantial duration of the storm. In Temecula Valley's Wine Country, 2.11 inches was reported (courtesy of Jim Sappington).

WeatherCurrents stations in Anza and Lake Elsinore also recorded rainfall, however high winds in Anza contributed to erroneously high totals at that location - totals will soon be corrected by the station owner there and subsequently added below when available. Concurrently, WeatherCurrents' station in Lake Elsinore continued to be plagued by rain gauge inaccuracies, and it is not known if corrected totals will be provided for that location. If residents anywhere in the region wish to contribute precipitation totals of their own, we encourage you to email your totals to WeatherCurrents and we will add them here with your location and credit!

Shower activity from the storm gradually dissipated from the region throughout Friday. Snow levels remained at high elevations during the atmospheric event, with snow only accumulating around 8000 feet above sea level and higher. A colder, weaker storm was slated to arrive not long after, with showers forecast to become widespread beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing into the night. Snow levels are expected to drop to between 4500 and 5500 feet above sea level Saturday evening. Several additional cold storms are possible next week.

Here are the rain totals for the WeatherCurrents network and associates: