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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Strong Santa Ana winds were expected to continue in the Southland today and likely persist into Thursday morning -- with the most severe predicted for the L.A. County Mountains, excluding the Santa Monica Range.
The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued a high wind warning for the affected areas of the L.A. mountains, starting at 10 p.m. Tuesday through noon Thursday.
The forecast there called for northeast winds of 35 mph to 45 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph, and the strongest gusts Tuesday night through Wednesday.
``People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches,'' according to the weather service. ``If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.''
Meanwhile, less-severe high wind advisories were in place from 10 p.m. Tuesday through noon Thursday for the San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, the L.A. County coast and downtown L.A.
Winds of 15 mph to 25 mph, gusting to between 40 mph and 45 mph, were in the forecast for those areas.
A wind advisory was also in place for Orange County inland areas beginning at 10 p.m. Tuesday through noon Thursday, with northeast winds 15 mph to 25 mph and gusts to 40 mph in the forecast.
In addition, the South Coast Air Quality Management District on Tuesday issued a dust advisory through Thursday morning for portions of Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The AQMD said the high winds may lead to air quality conditions that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. The most impacted areas will be Orange County, along with parts of the Inland Empire, the Coachella Valley and eastern Riverside County, the AQMD said.
According to the weather service, weaker winds could linger into Friday, followed by a brief break Saturday before another Santa Ana pattern develops for Sunday and Monday.
The wind alerts brought with them warnings that unsecured objects could be blown around, tree limbs could topple and some power outages may result.
In addition, travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, the NWS said. Major roadways that could be particularly impacted include Interstate 5 and Highway 14.