Wind, Dust Advisories Issued In Riverside County

SAN GORGONIO PASS, CA — A dust advisory was extended until Monday afternoon for Riverside County, including the San Gorgonio Pass and the Coachella Valley, the South Coast Air Quality Management District said Sunday.

The update comes after the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for much of western Riverside County, including Southwest Riverside County, the metro area, and the San Gorgonio Pass. The advisory runs from 12 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, according to the NWS.

The SCAQMD advised desert and Pass residents and visitors to avoid activities that require vigorous exertion during the dust advisory period. It also recommended that those with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children remain indoors until the advisory expires.

Strong gusts of up to 45 mph were predicted to blow through the region, kicking up dust and creating unhealthy air conditions.

The strongest gusts are expected in "wind prone areas near passes and foothills," according to the National Weather Service..

The winds could blow down tree limbs, cause power outages and will cause "dangerous driving conditions for high profile vehicles," according to the NWS.

The wind, coupled with hot and dry conditions, will also raise the wildfire threat level to "near-critical" levels, the NWS said.

"Any potential wildfires may spread quickly," the NWS warned.