Winds Kick Up Ash, Dust, Unhealthy Air In Pass Area, Desert

SAN GORGONIO PASS AREA, CA — As a storm front bears down on Riverside County, a wind-blown dust and ash advisory has been issued Friday through Saturday afternoon in the San Gorgonio Pass Area and the Coachella Valley.

As of Friday afternoon, winds were from the west and wind gusts were between 20 -40 mph in the area. Strong winds from the west and southwest lasting through Sunday evening with gusts up to 50 mph are predicted by the National Weather Service.

Isolated gusts 60 to 70 mph are possible, the NWS said.

"Areas of blowing sand, and dust are predicted throughout this wind event, which may result in Unhealthy or higher Air Quality Index levels at times for portions of Riverside County," the South Coast Air Quality Management District said.

The NWS has posted wind advisories for the region that are expected to expire at 10 p.m. Sunday. The agency warns that driving high-profile vehicles through the area can be dangerous.

In areas directly impacted by windblown dust, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity.