Storm Shield Forecast morning update 12-20-17

A cold front sweeping into the region brings a big change in the weather today. We're seeing increasing clouds now and gusty winds this morning could stir up blowing dust. The rain arrives between 1 and 3 o'clock this afternoon, but with only a few hundredths of an inch in accumulation. Cold air rushing in with the storm will send our temperatures plummeting from the mid-50s around lunch time here in Bakersfield to the 40s this afternoon. The cold air then turns any remaining rain in the mountains into snow this afternoon into the early evening hours, with about a quarter inch of accumulation for the higher elevations and a dusting possible at pass level. Clear skies and calmer winds after midnight set us up for a hard freeze overnight with ice in the mountains, so be sure to wrap your exposed pipes and care for outdoor pets and plants.