Storm Dumps Snow On Local Mountains

A cold Pacific storm brought gusty winds and cooler temperatures Friday to the Coachella Valley, and a few inches of snow to the local mountains.

A wind advisory – with gusts up to 55 mph expected -- was issued through 5 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

"It's been snowing all day," said Lena Zimmerschied of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is near the top of Mount San Jacinto.

The snow marked the end of the tram's snow guessing contest, which began on Oct. 1. The winners were: Susan Robbins of Palm Springs, Amelia Ferguson of 29 Palms, Linda Dino of Cathedral City, Shawn Buzzini of Beaumont, Marvelle Bratton of Indio, Jerry Goldstein of La Quinta, Kerry Rodriguez of Indio and PJ O’Brien of Sky Valley. The winners will receive a four tram admissions.

The storm brought snow and fog in the mountains surrounding the valley at elevations starting at 5,500 feet and lowering to 4,500 feet by Friday night, forecasters said. As much as three or four inches of snow are possible.

"This weather could be deadly for unprepared campers or hikers in the mountains," the NWS warned.

Friday's high is expected to be 69 degrees with an overnight low of 41 degrees.

Up to one tenth of an inch of rain was expected on the desert floor, and some showers were reported throughout the Palm Desert area on Friday afternoon.

The winds could reduce visibility on Interstate 10 and other roadways due to blowing dust, and motorists were expected to take precautions.