By Jim Purpura. Posted November 29, 2011, 10:45 AM.

The first significant Santa Ana wind event of the fall season, and possibly the strongest event in several years, is expected to develop across the Inland Empire.

A storm system is forecast to take an track from the northwest to along the California/Nevada border. This type of storm is named an "inside slider" for its inside track. It usually lacks the rich moisture of weather systems that have a long track over the Pacific. They are often quite cold with low snow levels. This storm system is also expected to bring strong Santa Ana winds.

Greatest impacts will likely begin early Thursday morning across the northern portions of the Inland Empire, near north and northeast facing canyons and passes. In particular, the Cajon Pass could see winds of 60-65 mph or higher. Across the northern Inland Empire, gusts to 50 mph are possible, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph in southwest Riverside County and north San Diego County. Winds will begin to diminish later Thursday evening, but it will continue to be breezy through Friday.

Remember weather observations, including wind speeds, for your local site on WeatherCurrents are updated every minute, so please check back often.

Jim Purpura

Meteorologist, WeatherCurrents.com

jpurpura@weathercurrents.com

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