By Reginald Stanley. Posted December 15, 2021, 12:31 PM.

A powerful Pacific storm brought periods of heavy rain and strong winds to the region Tuesday, as well as mountain snow.

Storm totals were generally high in most areas, with the exception of the eastern valleys, were totals were generally under one inch. The highest total was reported in East Highland, where an impressive 4.73 inches fell (courtesy of Peter Michas). In the WeatherCurrents network, Northwest Murrieta recorded the highest total with 2.57 inches. In Temecula Valley's Wine Country, a similarly high total 2.26 inches was reported (courtesy of Jim Sappington). Nearby, south Temecula followed with 2.11 inches, tailed closely by central Murrieta with 2.07 inches. To the north, WeatherCurrents' stations in Simi Valley and Pinon Hills both recorded modest totals of 1.80 and 1.76 inches, respectively. French Valley and Fallbrook both received just over 1.5 inches. Precipitation totals at the remaining active WeatherCurrents stations, nearly all of them in the eastern valleys, drops off more steeply. Riverside (Orangecrest), Moreno Valley, Hemet, and San Jacinto all recorded less than one inch, with San Jacinto recording the lowest total of 0.68 inches. Perris managed to break the one inch mark Tuesday afternoon.

Cloudy skies and occasional drizzle Monday became more steady and consistent overnight into Tuesday morning, while winds picked up across the region at the same time. Heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, pounded many parts of Southern California around noon Tuesday. Rain gradually tapered off into intermittent showers by Tuesday evening, eventually clearing out completely overnight. Snow levels did not drop particularly low, despite quickly plummeting temperatures Tuesday evening - remaining over 4000 feet above sea level. A dusting of snow could be seen on the higher peaks of the Santa Ana Mountains on Wednesday morning. Following a chilly but sunny Wednesday, an additional chance of showers - while only slight - appears in the forecast for Thursday night.

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