Blustering Winds, Rain Expected at San Gorgonio Pass, Coachella Valley

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By City News Service

Strong winds are expected to continue to bluster near Banning on Thursday as intermittent rain falls throughout the valleys of Riverside County.

Forecasters said an unseasonably deep upper-level trough of low pressure moving across central California would bring drizzle and light rain to the valleys around Riverside on Wednesday morning, as well as strong and gusty winds along the San Gorgonio Pass in the Banning area.

A National Weather Service wind advisory for the San Gorgonio Pass is set to remain in effect until 11 p.m. West winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour will be possible along with gusts of up to 60 miles per hour will be possible through and below the pass and north of Interstate 10.

“An upper-level trough will produce strong onshore flow and generate locally strong and gusty winds, especially during the evening and early morning hours,” according to a weather service, according to a weather service statement. “The areas affected include the northern Coachella Valley near San Gorgonio Pass and the wind-prone locations in the San Diego County deserts, such as Interstate 8.”

Forecasters said drivers may be affected by blowing sand and dust, and motorists in high-profile vehicles could have a hard time navigating roads in times of strong cross winds. Drivers were urged to use extra caution.

The winds are expected to weaken late Thursday night, but patchy drizzle is expected again overnight in the mountains and valleys.