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Strong Winds and Cold Front Moving In

National Weather Service

By News Staff Member
Monday, October 26, 2009

The National Weather Service in San Diego has released the following weather statement for areas in Southern California including: Orange County and San Diego coastal areas; San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego County valleys; the Inland Empire; San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego County Mountains; Santa Ana Mountains and foothills; Apple and Lucerne Valleys; Coachella Valley; and the San Diego County deserts.

A strong windstorm and cold front will move down the west coast tonight and Tuesday. Westerly winds ahead of the cold front will increase significantly during the day Tuesday; then will shift to the northwest with the passage of the cold front Tuesday evening.

While this storm will bring gusty winds in all areas, the strongest winds will occur in the mountains and deserts where sustained winds will reach 25 to 35 miles per hour (mph) and gusts will reach 55 mph. Wind advisories and/or high wind warnings may be needed Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday in these areas.

Motorists with high profile vehicles should plan their trips accordingly and prepare for strong winds if traveling through the mountains and deserts during this time.

Areas of blowing dust and sand will restrict visibilities in the deserts.

Strong winds will also affect the coastal waters where small craft advisories will be needed.

On Wednesday, the winds will become northerly and slowly decrease through Thursday. These offshore winds could reach 20 to 30 mph through the mountain passes and canyons, with gusts to 45 mph.

In addition to the strong winds, it will also be much cooler Wednesday.