The Western Mojave Desert is getting slammed with strong winds, as a wind advisory from the National Weather Service remains in effect through Thursday night while a potent Pacific system barrels across the region. Forecasters are calling for sustained southwest winds in the 30 to 40 mph range, with pockets of much stronger gusts, and residents and travelers are being urged to tie down anything that can blow away and use extra caution on exposed stretches of highway.
According to the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, southwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected across the western Mojave, and the advisory runs through the night of Thursday, April 2. The NWS highlights communities including Barstow, Daggett, and Fort Irwin as being under the advisory and warns of possible tree damage and isolated power outages. As reported by The Sacramento Bee, travelers on I-15 and I-40 should be ready for strong crosswinds and pockets of blowing dust.
What to expect on roads and power
"Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles," the National Weather Service cautioned, urging extra care on open highways and when passing large trucks or trailers. Gusts could toss unsecured objects and small limbs, raising the risk of scattered power outages and sending debris onto roads. Authorities also warn that visibility may drop quickly in areas of blowing dust, especially along open desert corridors where there is little to block the wind.
How to prepare
Residents are encouraged to secure patio furniture, tarps, and trash bins, and to bring loose construction materials inside or tie them down before the gusts really ramp up. Per Ready.gov, households should have at least a 72-hour supply of food and water on hand, with one gallon of water per person per day, along with a flashlight and extra batteries. If you rely on electricity for medical equipment, contact your utility about backup plans and consider arranging an alternate power source in case the lights go out.
Utility crews and highway patrols are monitoring the situation, and anyone traveling through desert corridors this week is advised to check the latest forecasts and allow extra time in case conditions slow traffic. This story will be updated if the advisory is extended or upgraded.
