Weather service forecasts wind advisory Monday

Strong gusty winds buffeted the mountains and deserts of San Diego County today, and coastal areas were threatened with high surf and strong rip currents.

The National Weather Service scheduled a high wind warning for the mountains and deserts until 9 p.m., saying winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour were gusting up to 65 mph. Isolated gusts up to 80 mph were also possible, according to the agency.

The winds were making driving in the mountains and deserts difficult, especially for motorists with high-profile vehicles, according to the weather service, which cautioned motorists to watch out for broken tree limbs and in the deserts, blowing dust and sand.

“`Unsecured items such as yard furniture, tents, umbrellas and trash cans should be tied down or moved inside,” the agency advised.

In valley areas, a less severe wind advisory was scheduled from noon to 6 p.m.

According to the NWS, during the wind advisory, there will be sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph gusting up to 40 mph.