Strong Santa Ana Winds Prompt Dust Advisory In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — With strong Santa Ana winds blowing in the Southland, a dust advisory went into effect Friday throughout the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the SCAQMD announced.

The advisory will be in effect through noon Sunday, and will affect all those in the South Coast Air Basin, including Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, and all of Orange County.

The dust advisory followed high wind warnings posted by the National Weather Service for much of the Southland.

In Riverside County, the NWS wind warning took effect at 3 p.m. Friday and runs to 6 p.m. Saturday.

"These conditions can lift dust and soil and lead to poor air quality," the SCAQMD said. "Air quality categories will vary from Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher, mostly on Saturday."

The most significant impacts are expected in the valleys of the Inland Empire and the Coachella Valley, the agency said.

Residents in wind-impacted areas are encouraged to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, and to avoid vigorous physical activity.

"Exposure to high particle pollution levels can cause serious health problems, including asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms and increased risk of respiratory infections," the SCAQMD said.

"People with heart or lung diseases should follow their doctor's advice for dealing with episodes of unhealthy air quality. Children, older adults, and people with respiratory or heart disease should avoid prolonged exposure and strenuous activities when particle pollution levels are high."