Colder, Windy Weather on Tap as Storm System Moves into Region

RIVERSIDE (CNS) – An airport weather warning has been issued for Palm Springs International Airport by the National Weather Service Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for wind gusts of 35 knots or greater.

Erratic winds and shifting winds around the airport will create hazardous landing and departure conditions, according to the NWS.

A cold weather system is pushing across the region, bringing gusty winds, rain and unusually low snow levels.

"This system will bring much colder air into southern California for late Tuesday night and Wednesday with the core of the strongest winds across San Diego County," the NWS said. "The strongest winds are expected along the desert slopes of the mountains where the strongest gusts in the San Diego County mountains could be to around 100 mph."

A winter storm watch will be in effect through Saturday afternoon in the Riverside County mountains, including Idyllwild and Pine Cove, where "heavy snow" is possible along with winds gusting up to 85 mph "with dangerous wind chills."

Forecasters warned that travel "could be very difficult to impossible."

A high wind warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass, where gusts of up to 80 mph are possible. NWS forecasters said that in addition to possible fallen trees and other blowing objects, blowing sand and dust could result in extremely poor visibility in some areas.

A less serious wind advisory will be in place in Riverside County valleys, where winds of 20 to 30 mph are anticipated, gusting up to 45 mph.

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