Strong Winds Will Increase Fire Danger Across Riverside County

RIVERSIDE, CA — Strong Santa Ana winds swept through the Coachella Valley and Riverside County mountains overnight and are expected to continue into the early part of this week, raising fire risks, forecasters said Sunday.

A wind advisory was in place until 10 p.m. for the Coachella Valley and another will go into effect from 2 a.m. through 11 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters warned that the Coachella Valley will see westerly winds between 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

The NWS said the strongest winds Sunday would be below the San Gorgonio Pass, while on Monday the strongest winds would be below the Morongo Pass.

Overnight into Sunday, wind speeds reached 62 mph in Snowcreek Canyon, 56 mph in Desert Hot Springs, 55 mph in North Palm Springs, 41 mph in Pinyon Pines and 38 mph in the Morongo Valley, according to the NWS.

"Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines," the NWS said. "Widespread power outages are possible, and travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles."

The agency also warned that the winds, accompanied by low humidity levels, will elevate the fire danger in wind-prone areas.

A red flag warning will be in effect from 2 a.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Riverside County mountains, the Inland Empire and the San Gorgonio Pass.

—City News Service