Power poles, dust being blown by strong winds in Merced County area

Leaning power poles. Downed trees and branches. Tumbleweeds. Clouds of dust.

All are being this morning throughout the Northern San Joaquin Valley as wind reaching 30 mph are blowing through the area.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for the area and the foothills tonight until 11 o'clock. Dust storm

Sustained winds of 20 mph to 30 mph are expected with gusts up to 50 mph.

The winds, and subsequent traffic hazards, have kept the California Highway Patrol busy.

In Merced County, there was dust “like a fog” reported on Highway 140.

In Stanislaus County, power poles were leaning precariously on Highway 165 near the Merced County line and on West Keyes Road just north of Crows Landing Road, the CHP Web site reported.

There also was a “huge tumbleweed” in the northbound lane of Highway 99 near Turlock.

The winds are supposed to subside in the eastern part of the valley tonight, but remain strong on the west side, the weather service is reporting.

On Wednesday, the winds will still be strong, but not as much as today.