Strong winds expected in the Coachella Valley today through tomorrow

A high wind warning is set to go in effect this afternoon in the Coachella Valley and the mountains of Riverside County, where gusts up to 65 miles per hour were expected to create dangerous driving conditions.

“A deepening trough of low pressure will move through the region, resulting in stronger onshore flow,” according to a National Weather Service advisory. “Westerly wind gusts of 55 mph and isolated 65 mph gusts in the more wind-prone mountain and desert locations are possible (this) afternoon into Thursday morning.”

The agency issued the high wind warning from noon Wednesday to 8 a.m. Thursday.

“The winds will make driving difficult, especially for motorists with high profile vehicles,” the NWS said, noting the strongest wind gusts will be in the northern Coachella Valley below the Banning Pass and north and east of Interstate 10.

Motorists were also cautioned to watch out for blowing dust and sand while driving through desert regions.

“Winds will weaken during the day Thursday, and then turn to the northeast and east late Thursday night through Saturday morning,” according to an NWS advisory.