RIVERSIDE - Strong gusty winds are expected to blow through the Coachella Valley and mountain areas of Riverside County late tonight.

A cold low pressure system from the northwest will bring strong gusty west winds to the Coachella Valley and mountain areas late tonight through late Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS issued a high wind warning for the Coachella Valley and mountains from 4 a.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Friday. A high wind warning is issued when a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring.

During the high wind warning period, sustained winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour and gusts of up to 50 mph are expected. However, local gusts up to 65 mph are also possible, according to the Weather Service.

The agency expected the strongest winds to occur Thursday afternoon and evening, mainly near ridge tops and along desert mountain slopes.

"The winds will make driving difficult, especially for motorists with high profile vehicles," according Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] to an NWS advisory. "Watch for broken tree limbs and downed power lines."

In addition to the high wind warning, a winter weather advisory is scheduled for mountain areas above 3,500 feet from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.

According to the NWS, the same cold low pressure system bringing strong gusty winds to the mountains and Coachella Valley late tonight will bring showers and much lower snow levels to the mountains on Thursday.

Snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches above 4,000 feet, with locally greater amounts on the higher peaks, are expected Thursday.

"Rain and snow will develop Thursday morning with snow showers continuing through the afternoon and decreasing Thursday night," according to an NWS advisory.

The agency cautioned people planning to travel through mountain areas to be prepared for hazardous winter weather conditions and carry chains, extra food and clothing as a precaution.

Temperature highs Thursday will be lower -- around 45 degrees in the mountains and 60 elsewhere in the county.