Fog, high winds could cause problems for drivers, says weather service

Saturday, Dec. 8—The dense fog expected to roll into San Diego County’s coastal areas and western valleys tonight could cause problems for drivers, as could high winds expected to blow through Sunday and Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS issued an advisory set to extend until 10 a.m. Sunday for the coast and the western valleys.

“A dense fog advisory means visibilities will frequently be reduced to less than one quarter-mile,” the NWS advisory said. “If driving, slow down, use low beam headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”

The NWS advised motorists to use caution when encountering dense fog because visibility could suddenly drop to near zero.

The strong northeast winds expected Sunday through Monday due to surface high pressure over the Great Basin and a trough of low pressure over the central and southern Rockies could also be hazardous for drivers in valley and mountain areas.

“The winds will make driving difficult, especially for motorists with high profile vehicles,” the NWS advisory said. “Watch for broken tree limbs and downed power lines.”

Forecasters said winds of between 20 and 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 mph near the foothills could be possible in valley and mountain areas starting late Sunday. A high wind warning was scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Sunday and remain in effect until 10 a.m. Monday for the valleys and mountains.