The gusty wind blustering around parts of San Diego County is expected to ease up later Monday morning, but gale-force winds offshore will continue through Monday evening.
National Weather Service wind advisories for the coast, the mountains and the deserts are scheduled to expire at noon. Throughout the remainder of the advisory period, winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour will be possible near the beaches, along with gusts of up to 35 mph.
In the mountains and deserts, wind of 20 to 30 mph are forecast, as are gusts of up to 45 mph. Forecasters said peak gusts may reach 60 mph.
"Gusty west to northwest winds in the mountains and deserts and near the coast will diminish during the morning as a low pressure system over the southwest states moves slowly inland," according to the weather service.
In a 24-hour period ending at 8 a.m., unofficial gauges clocked peak gusts of 67 mph at Boucher Hill; 62 mph at Mt. Laguna — which also got a dusting of snow; 60 mph in Carlsbad; 59 mph at Palomar Mountain; 58 mph in Point Loma and on Volcan Mountain; 57 mph at the Lucky Five ranch; 54 mph in Borrego Springs and at Lake Cuyamaca; 53 mph on Otay Mountain; and 48 mph at Mission Beach and in Julian.
Forecasters said the strong winds would gradually weaken later this morning. However, the wind may down palm fronds and tree limbs, and may cause hazardous driving conditions.
Offshore, gale-force winds and rough seas are expected to result in dangerous boating conditions through Monday evening. A gale warning for the waters from San Mateo Point to the U.S.-Mexican border will remain in effect until 10 p.m.
"Strong winds combined with steep and rough seas of 8 to 14 feet will create dangerous conditions for mariners," according to the weather service.
Forecasters warned that small craft and even larger boats may capsize in the wind. Officials in Coronado said the high winds caused a couple of boats to wash ashore Monday morning.
"Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires experience and properly equipped vessels," according to the weather service. "It is highly recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions."
