Winter storm brings snow to SoCal mountains

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - A Winter Storm Warning went into effect Wednesday morning as snow levels dropped to 4,500 feet in the San Bernardino County mountains for the first snowfall of the season. Forecasters also said up to 6 inches of snow could accumulate in communities above 7,000 feet and even heavier snowfall was expected in higher elevations. 

A storm hit Southern California Tuesday night and was expected to last until Thursday as unstable cold air and tropical moisture moved into the area, the National Weather Service said. The Winter Storm Warning remained in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday. 

Heavier snowfall would hit mountain communities above 8000 feet, with up to 16 inches of snow expected to accumulate, NWS said. 

North Central San Bernardino County was also under a Flood Advisory that was set to expire at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Minor flooding and debris struck Highway 127 and the 15 Freeway, California Highway Patrol reported. 

Snow was also reported in the San Diego County mountain communities, with heavy snow expected above 5,500 feet.

The snow conditions made for dangerous road conditions as visibility levels dropped as dense fog moved in. 

Drivers commuting through the area were asked to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.