Strong winds will blow through the mountains and deserts of San Diego County today and over coastal waters, creating perilous boating conditions, forecasters said.
A strong onshore flow will produce gusty winds in the mountains and deserts before an upper level trough brings even stronger winds late this afternoon through tonight, according to the National Weather Service. The agency estimates winds will occasionally be gusting over 60 miles per hour tonight.
A wind advisory will be in effect in the mountains and deserts until 2 p.m., when a more serious high wind warning goes into effect. The high wind warning is set to expire at 4 a.m. Saturday.
The Weather Service said some of the strongest winds will be along Interstate 8, from Pine Valley to the Imperial County line, which could be problematical for motorists in high-profile vehicles. Visibility could be one mile or less due to blowing dust and sand, and motorists were urged to watch out for downed trees and tree limbs.
Strong winds are also expected over coastal waters, prompting the Weather Service to schedule a small craft advisory from 3 this afternoon to 8 a.m. Saturday.
During the period covered by the small craft advisory, boaters can expect gusty west-to-northwest winds of 15 to 25 knots, with frequent gusts of 25 to 30 knots, according to the Weather Service.
"The gusty winds and steep wind waves will cause difficult navigating conditions for small craft. Steep waves have the potential to capsize small craft,'' according to an NWS advisory.
