Strong, potentially damaging winds that began ramping up in San Diego County this morning are expected to continue into the weekend. A National Weather Service high wind warning for the mountains and valleys will extend until 1 p.m. Saturday.
Top winds gusts in excess of 75 miles per hour are expected in certain spots in the mountains, and 45 mph gusts will be possible in some metro areas. As of about 9 a.m., top wind gusts clocked around the county were 75 mph at Sill Hill; 56 mph at Hellhole Canyon; 55 mph on Palomar Mountain; 54 mph in Julian; 53 mph on Black Mountain, and in Descanso, Pauma Valley and Viejas Grade; 51 mph in Alpine; 49 mph in Jamul; 48 mph in Campo; 47 mph in Pine Valley; 46 mph in Bonsall, Campo, Potrero and on Volcan Mountain; and 45 mph in Boulevard and at Camp Pendleton, according to the weather service.
Forecasters said the northeast winds would become very strong and widespread during the morning hours and would max out by about 3 p.m. today. Winds of 20 to 40 mph with gusts to 65 mph are expected in the majority of the affected areas.
A less severe wind advisory for the coastal areas will remain in effect until 6 p.m. today, as winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of up to 40 mph are expected. A high surf advisory is also in effect at the beaches until 7 p.m.
Anticipated peak wind gusts around the county are expected to be 31 mph in Oceanside; 33 mph in San Diego; 37 mph in Borrego Springs; 44 mph in the Miramar area; 53 mph in Ramona; 56 mph on Mt. Laguna; 61 mph in Julian; 62 mph in Alpine; and 66 mph on Palomar Mountain, according to the NWS. Somewhat lighter winds will continue tonight into Saturday, according to the weather service.
``Winds will pull back slightly this evening, not quite as widespread or strong, but will continue strong through Saturday morning more in the usual wind prone areas such as foothills,'' according to the weather service. ``Winds will gradually decrease over the weekend, but Monday morning still has localized breezy winds.''
Authorities warned that the winds may make driving difficult on Interstate 8 through the mountains, and could possibly down tree branches and power lines. Sustained wind speeds of 40 mph and up or gusts of at least 58 mph can cause property damage. The winds may also affect travel along Interstate 5 and could possibly topple trees in saturated soil and down palm fronds.
Homeless shelters have been activated in the downtown area tonight, as the region braces for more cold temperatures, according to officials. The Inclement Weather Shelter Program at Father Joe's Villages and Connections Housing Downtown for homeless San Diegans was reactivated by the city in partnership with the Housing Commission.
Shelter nights are provided during severe weather conditions, either 50 degrees or below or a 40 percent chance of rain. Check-in at the Father Joe's Villages shelter was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at 1501 Imperial Ave., with room for up to 250 people. A meal was scheduled to be provided and checkout was set for Saturday at 5 a.m. Another shelter at 1250 Sixth Ave. was being set up for 30 people. Check in was between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., with check-out at 7 a.m. Saturday. A meal was to be provided there as well.
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