Palm Springs, California – Drivers in the Coachella Valley could encounter sudden 60 mph wind gusts and blowing dust that may sharply reduce visibility before the Friday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. PST Friday for the entire Coachella Valley. Northwest winds between 15 and 30 mph are producing widespread gusts of 40 to 55 mph, with isolated gusts exceeding 60 mph near the mountain foothills.
The strongest winds are expected near the San Gorgonio Pass and along Interstate 10, where crosswinds frequently overturn high-profile vehicles. Areas including Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Indio and La Quinta may see bursts of blowing dust, especially in open desert stretches and near construction zones.
Reduced visibility could drop below a mile at times overnight. Drivers should slow down, keep headlights on and avoid sudden lane changes. Residents are urged to secure patio furniture, trash bins and lightweight outdoor items immediately. Charging mobile devices now can help prepare for any spotty outages caused by downed lines.
Winds will gradually weaken by Friday afternoon, but hazardous travel conditions could linger through midmorning. Additional advisories remain possible if gusts persist.
