High winds, blowing sand prompt shut down of Gene Autry Trail, cause traffic back-ups

PALM SPRINGS - High winds and blowing sand prompted Palm Springs police to shut down Gene Autry Trail north of the city today, a sergeant said.

Northbound lanes were closed at Via Escuela, and southbound traffic was blocked at Interstate 10 at 4:30 a.m., Palm Springs police Sgt. Mike Kovaleff said. A three-day high wind advisory had been issued by the National Weather Service for the San Gorgonio pass area and nearby mountains.

Motorists were directed to Indian Canyon Drive or the Date Palm Drive and Vista Chino combination as alternate routes, Kovaleff said....