Windy conditions expected to continue into Saturday

Strong winds are expected to blow through theCoachella Valley and Riverside County mountains this afternoon through earlySaturday, especially through and below the Banning Pass and along and north ofInterstate 10.

“A trough of low pressure moving through Nevada will bring strongonshore pressure gradients, likely resulting in gusts of 45 to 55 miles perhour along mountain ridge-tops and desert mountain slopes and extending intothe lower deserts,” according to a National Weather Service advisory. “Windsthis strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles –use extra caution.”

The NWS issued a wind advisory for Coachella Valley and the mountainsfrom 2 p.m. today to 8 a.m. Saturday. The winds should diminish late Saturdaymorning, according to the NWS.