Weekend Weather Expected to Turn Wintry

A low-pressure system was expected to sweep into the region Saturday night, bringing rain and snow, according to the National Weather Service.

The Pacific low-pressure system was expected to move through Southern California late Saturday night through Sunday night, which was likely to lead to precipitation west of the mountains.

“The main period of precipitation for most areas is expected Sunday morning,” according to the NWS. “Showers will linger, mainly near the mountains, into the afternoon, decreasing and ending from the north Sunday night.”

Snow levels could drop to altitudes of 4,500 to 5,000 feet Sunday and between 4,000 and 4,500 Sunday night. Two to 5 inches of snow could fall in areas higher than 5,000 feet, the NWS said.

West winds in the mountains and deserts were also expected, with gusts that could reach about 45 miles per hour Sunday afternoon and evening near mountain ridge tops, along desert mountain slopes and into adjacent areas.

The National Weather Service forecast for Orange County:

Saturday night: Rain, mainly after 4am. Low around 46. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Sunday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. High near 58. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind.

Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.