Weather Service Warns of Strong Winds, Gusts Up To 80 MPH

Surface high pressure is expected to bring strong gusty winds to the metropolitan areas and the mountains of Riverside County Tuesday but not the Coachella Valley.

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning signaling hazardous wind speeds for the Inland Empire and mountains area until 5 p.m. Thursday, saying winds will strengthen and become more widespread into Tuesday morning. By Tuesday afternoon, sustained northeast winds of 25 to 40 miles per hour and gusts up to 80 mph are likely, the agency said.

A brief slow-down in the winds is expected headed into Tuesday evening before sustained winds of 30 to 45 mph and gusts up to 85 mph are expected to develop late tonight into Wednesday afternoon.

"The winds will make driving difficult, especially for motorists of high profile vehicles," an NWS advisory said. "Watch for broken tree limbs and other debris. Secure loose outdoor objects such as lawn or patio furniture."

Another round of strong gusty winds is expected for Wednesday night into Thursday morning, though speeds are not expected to be as strong or as widespread as with the winds today and early Wednesday.

– City News Service.