Winds Could Kick Up Dust, Knock Out Power In Banning

BANNING, CA — With blustery weather and another rainstorm ahead, officials have issued a wind advisory in Banning and Desert Hot Springs to last through 5 a.m. on Friday.

The advisory takes effect at 7 p.m., when west winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph are expected to begin, the National Weather Service said.

Winds are expected to howl especially in San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, where gusts could threaten motorists, especially those in high profile vehicles. Drivers are advised to take caution during this period.

Weather officials also urged residents to watch for winds that could blow around unsecured objects. The winds could also blow down tree limbs and knock out power for some in the Banning and Desert Hot Springs areas, the NWS said.

Meanwhile, much of Riverside County will experience cool and wet conditions this week as the second of two storm systems move through the region. Widespread rain is expected Wednesday night into Thursday morning, the NWS said.

READ MORE: Back-To-Back Storms To Hit SoCal; Mudslides, Flooding Possible

As the storm progresses, it could douse the area with a half inch to quarter inch per hour, with the potential for local amounts up to 1 inch per hour where potential thunderstorms develop and in the mountains below the snow level.

The NWS also noted that "gusty southerly winds [Wednesday] evening and overnight will become westerly on Thursday."

For the coast and valleys, there will be a round of gusty southerly winds with the front passage and main band of precipitation late Wednesday into Thursday morning, with additional gusty westerly winds Thursday afternoon. Gusts Thursday afternoon are expected to be 30 to 40 mph for the coast and valleys, with stronger gusts along the desert slopes of the mountains reaching 50 to 60 mph, and isolated gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph, weather officials said.