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Strong Winds and Blowing Dust Force Travel Disruptions Across Southern California Deserts and Passes

Officials say winds should ease by late Thursday and temperatures will rebound to near‑normal by the weekend.

Overview

  • Gusty winds peaked Tuesday evening with gusts commonly between 40 and 60 mph and isolated higher readings through San Gorgonio Pass, the I‑10 corridor and the high desert.
  • The National Weather Service issued multiple wind advisories and local teams extended KESQ’s First Alert through Wednesday night while some wind alerts remain in effect until 5 a.m. Thursday for higher terrain.
  • The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a Windblown Dust Advisory and air quality in dust‑prone areas has dropped to unhealthy levels, creating visibility hazards.
  • Blowing dust and strong gusts have reduced roadway visibility, closed some wash roads such as Gene Autry, and prompted warnings to secure loose objects and avoid travel in exposed passes.
  • Temperatures fell about 10–20°F below normal midweek with highs in the 70s and 80s and are forecast to climb back into the 90s this weekend and reach triple digits by early next week.