High winds to hit mountain, desert areas

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Strong Santa Ana winds may develop in the valley and mountain areas of San Diego County Monday night, meteorologists said.

A high wind watch will be in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, which issued the watch only for the valleys and mountains, and not coastal or desert areas. A high wind watch means there is the potential for a hazardous high wind event.

Starting tonight, sustained north to northeast winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour and widespread gusts up to 60 mph are possible in the valleys and mountains, the NWS said.

The agency also said that isolated gusts near 75 mph are possible in the most wind-prone areas, like the Cuyamaca Mountains.

“A weaker period of winds will occur Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning,” the NWS said.

Residents and travelers in the windy areas are encouraged to watch for broken tree limbs and debris on roadways.