Gusty winds blew through San Diego County Monday and could prove hazardous for high-profile vehicles traveling through mountains passes, according to the National Weather Service.
The agency issued a high wind warning that will last until noon Tuesday in the mountains. Fortunately, rains in November and December have greatly reduced the wildfire risk.
"The only effects of the winds (will be) what the winds usually do: damage the trees or power lines," said Brandt Maxwell, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service.
A wind advisory will also last until noon Tuesday in the western valleys.
Winds in the mountains will move in from the northeast at speeds between 25 to 35 mph, with isolated gusts of 65 mph possible along mountain ridge tops, forecasters said.
Winds sweeping into the western valleys from the northeast are expected to be between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts possibly reaching 50 mph.
Feliz día de Reyes!
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 6, 2020
Santa Ana winds and high pressure aloft will help temperatures rise west of the mountains. Today could be the warmest since mid November for many spots! Enjoy your day ? pic.twitter.com/uQ2TiV792v
NWS officials warned that winds could be strong enough to blow around unsecured objects and knock down tree limbs, potentially causing power outages.
Conditions will also be hazardous for high-profile vehicles traveling on mountain highways.
The winds in both areas are expected to calm to between 15 and 25 mph by late Monday night, forecasters said.
High temperatures Monday could reach 75 degrees near the coast, 80 inland, 81 in the western valleys, 74 near the foothills, 66 in the mountains and 71 in the deserts.
Maxwell said the first few months of the new year will be warmer and drier.
