Strong winds expected tonight in the Coachella Valley

Strong winds were expected in the Coachella Valley andin the mountains of Riverside County tonight.

“A deepening trough of low pressure moving inland across the west coastand strengthening onshore surface pressure gradients this afternoon intoWednesday, will bring gusty southwest to west winds in the mountains anddeserts,” according to a National Weather Service advisory.

Local wind gusts could reach 55 miles per hour, mainly below theBanning Pass and on the favored desert mountain slopes.”

The agency issued a high wind watch from this evening to Thursdaymorning for the mountains, desert slopes and foothills, including through theBanning Pass and north of Interstate 10 in the Coachella Valley.

“The winds will make driving difficult, especially for motorists withhigh profile vehicles,” the NWS said. “Watch for broken tree limbs and downedpower lines.”

Coachella Valley motorists were also cautioned to watch out for blowingdust and sand.