Gusty winds in mountain and desert areas predicted to get stronger

The strong, gusty winds that blew through San Diego County mountain and desert areas Saturday were expected to strengthen and could cause difficult driving conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

The western winds are expected to increase tonight to between 20 and 30 miles per hour with gusts of up to 55 miles per hour, the NWS reported.

The NWS advised that the wind could kick up dust and sand, which could reduce visibility on desert area roads to nearly zero at times.

The wind could also make driving high-profile vehicles difficult as the gusts could down power lines and tree limbs, according to the NWS, which issued a wind advisory that will remain in effect until 2 p.m. Sunday.

Forecasters predicted the winds would decrease by Sunday morning, but even stronger winds, with gusts of up to 60 miles per hour, are expected Monday afternoon and night, the NWS said.

The NWS issued a high wind watch set to go into effect Monday afternoon.

A high wind watch means there will be potential for a hazardous high wind event, the NWS said.