With strong Santa Ana winds expected across Riverside County on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 15 and 16, authorities issued warnings about possible wind damage and increased risk of wildfires.
The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning, saying the wind could cause power outages and even fires in areas near the San Gorgonio Pass, including Banning and Desert Hot Springs, from Thursday through midnight Saturday, Oct. 17.
Strong Santa Ana winds are expected to reach 30 to 40 mph, in addition to wind gusts reaching 50 to 65 mph. They could blow down trees and power lines. The strongest winds are predicted to be on Friday.
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services said the forecast was for "critical fire weather conditions" across much of California.
The NWS said it expects widespread power outages and that it will be hard to travel, especially for larger cars. It recommended that people secure items that could be blown away or damaged by the wind. Cal Fire said the winds will elevate fire danger.
Other nearby cities will also be dealing with windy conditions. The NWS issued a high wind warning for areas in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including Riverside, Moreno Valley and Rancho Cucamonga, from Thursday until 8 p.m. Saturday.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Strong Santa Ana winds increase wildfire risk across Riverside County
