San Diego

Gusty Santa Ana Winds Could Cause Damage in East San Diego County

Gusts could reach up to 70 mph along the mountain slopes and below passes and canyons

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Hazardous Santa Ana winds are expected in the San Diego area Wednesday, blowing hard enough to potentially topple trees and make driving dangerous in some highland locales, according to forecasters.

The gusty conditions will become more intense and widespread on Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported.

Santa Ana winds bring big gusts, dry weather and fire danger to San Diego County. Here's what causes them.

Over the period, winds out of the northwest will reach sustained speeds of 25 to 35 mph across the county, with gusts up to 70 mph along the mountain slopes and below passes and canyons, the NWS reported.

Drivers, particularly those in motor homes, big rigs and other large vehicles, are advised to exercise extra caution while traveling through areas hit by the highest winds whipped up by the Santa Ana system.

Firefighters are on alert as the winds could elevate fire danger in San Diego County. The Santa Anas also bring the threat of downed power lines and power outages but San Diego Gas & Electric did not have any planned outages for the week.

The gusty conditions will weaken Thursday and Friday and continue in milder fashion through the weekend, according to meteorologists.

Until then, the Mountain Empire Unified School District in East County announced all schools will be closed on Wednesday as a result of the wind. The district said classes will resume on Thursday.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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