Very Unhealthy Air: Dust Advisory For Pass Area, Coachella Valley

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Due to high winds gusting across Riverside County, residents in some areas are being warned of "very unhealthy" air quality from windblown dirt and dust.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a dust advisory that's in effect Wednesday through Friday morning. Dust concentrations have increased in the Inland Empire and the Coachella Valley, resulting in very unhealthy levels, according to the agency.

The Riverside County areas impacted by the dust advisory include Corona-Norco, Metropolitan Riverside County, Perris Valley, Hemet-San Jacinto Valley, San Gorgonio Pass, Coachella Valley, and East Riverside County.

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning Wednesday that remains in effect through 12 p.m. Friday for much of the Inland Empire. The winds are expected to peak Wednesday evening through early Thursday, forecasters said. Weaker winds will persist through Saturday.

Winds moving in from the north and northeast are expected to reach speeds between 20 and 30 mph, with isolated gusts of 70 mph possible along mountain ridge tops, forecasters said. NWS officials warned that winds could be strong enough to blow around unsecured objects and knock down tree limbs, potentially causing power outages. Power outages have been reported across the region, but it's not immediately known how many have been caused by the wind.

Conditions will also be hazardous for high-profile vehicles traveling on highways, especially along I-15 and I-215 near the Cajon Pass and I-10 through the San Gorgonio Pass.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District is advising residents in areas with blowing dust to limit their exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity.

—City News Service contributed to this report.