Wind Advisory in Riverside County Thursday

Gusty winds are expected to develop today in the Coachella Valley and the mountains of Riverside County, forecasters said.

A National Weather Service wind advisory for the mountains and deserts is set to take effect at 11 a.m. and extend until 3 a.m. Friday.

West winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour with gusts of up to 55 mph are expected on mountain ridges, through passes and canyons, along desert mountain slopes and into adjacent desert areas.

"A trough of low pressure will move inland across California today, with gusty west winds developing across the mountains and deserts during the day and continuing through late tonight," according to the weather service.

NWS forecasters said areas through and east of the San Gorgonio Pass and north of Interstate 10 in the Coachella Valley would be affected, along with stretches of Interstate 10 and state Route 111. Blowing sand and dust in the deserts could reduce visibility to half a mile or less.

Strong cross winds are also expected to lead to difficult driving conditions, especially for motorists in high-profile vehicles, forecasters said. Drivers were advised to use extra caution.

--City News Service