Wind gusts could reach 70 mph in region through Thursday

SAN DIEGO - Strong and damaging winds will buffet the valleys and mountains of San Diego County today and may linger into Thursday, forecasters said.

''North to northeast winds will continue to strengthen near the foothills as an upper-level disturbance intensifies over the desert southwest,'' according to a National Weather Service statement. ''The strong and gusty offshore winds will continue below passes and canyons through this evening, and possibly into Thursday evening as surface high pressure continues to build over the Great Basin.''

The agency issued a high wind warning for the valleys and mountains until 10 p.m. and a less serious high wind watch for the mountains from late this evening to Thursday night. A high wind watch is scheduled for the valleys from 10 a.m. Wednesday through 10 p.m. Thursday.

During today's high wind warning, sustained northeast winds of 15 to 30 miles per hour gusting to 60 mph are expected. Also possible are occasional gusts of more than 70 mph through and below passes and canyons, according to the weather service.

''The winds will make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles,'' an NWS advisory said. ''Watch for broken tree limbs and downed power lines.''

Wind gusts could reach 65 mph in region through late Tuesday

SAN DIEGO and Riverside - In valley areas, strong winds are expected mainly near coastal foothills from the Ramona and Santa Ysabel area southward, according to NWS forecasters. The National Weather Service has issued a warning that will be in effect through Tuesday, January 15, regarding gusty winds. "Strong and potentially damaging north to northeast winds will continue through Tuesday; local wind gusts in excess of 65 mph are possible," authorities said. "The strong and gusty offshore winds will continue below passes and canyons through Tuesday as surface high pressure builds into the great basin." "The winds will make driving difficult,especially for motorists with high profile vehicles," they said. "Areas of dust and sand may reduce visibility at times." Authorities advise that motorists watch for debris on roadways as well as downed power lines. The outlook, they said, is "Northeast winds will gradually subside through Tuesday night into Wednesday." Winds of 40 mph or greats can lead to property damage.