Santa Ana Winds Prompt Red-Flag Warning

A red-flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service due to Santa Ana conditions expected to hit the area beginning 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Offshore winds of 25 miles per hour to 35 mph are expected, with gusts to 60 mph possible, according to the Weather Service.

The warning and watch areas include Southern California and the Inland Empire.

"High pressure building over Nevada and Utah will result in moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds ... mainly below canyons and passes on Wednesday," the Weather Service advised.

"The winds will begin in the eastern portion of the valley areas early in the morning … then spread westward during the morning. The winds will drop off Wednesday evening," the Weather Service advised.

The dry winds are expected to last from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday across the Inland Empire.

Blowing dust could reduce visibility and could affect big rigs, motor homes and other high-profile vehicles, according to the Weather Service.

Broken tree limbs, downed power lines and other property damage could also occur during the wind event, the Weather Service advised.

Residents and public safety agencies should monitor forecast updates, according to the Weather Service. --Guy McCarthy and Toni McAllister contributed to this report.