Gusty winds expected to continue this morning

SAN DIEGO - The gusty winds that have been blowing through San Diego County's mountains and inland valleys are expected to continue this morning, forecasters said.

Peak gusts on Thursday reached 71 mph at Sill Hill, 57 mph in Crestwood, 55 mph at the Lucky Five Ranch, 53 mph in West Wynola and 52 mph in Julian, according to the NWS. Gusts in the 50s were also recorded at Big Black Mountain, Hellhole Canyon and Otay Mountain.

A National Weather Service wind advisory is scheduled to remain in effect until noon in the valleys and mountains, where winds of 20-30 miles per hour with gusts of up to 50 mph are possible.

''Strong surface high pressure over the Great Basin will create gusty northeast to east winds over the mountains and inland valleys through this morning,'' the NWS advisory said.

Meteorologists cautioned that the wind could break tree limbs and make driving difficult, especially for motorists in high-profile vehicles. Drivers were advised to use extra caution.

Wind speeds are expected to decrease by early afternoon, forecasters said.