A wind advisory is in effect for local mountains as well as the Apple, Lucerne and Coachella valleys.

The National Weather Service has extended the advisory to 5 a.m. Thursday. Gusty west wind will have speeds of 25-35 mph and gusts up to 45 mph across the mountains and deserts on Wednesday afternoon.

The winds will make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.  The NWS warns drivers to wath for blowing dust and near-zero visibility as well as downed power lines and debris. Travel may be affected on interstates 8, 10 and 15.

– posted at 2:44 p.m. by Cathy Maestri