Winds Whip Through Bay Area Hills; Severe Turbulence Warning Issued For Bay Area Flights

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Powerful winds whistled through the higher elevations of the San Francisco Bay Area early Monday, including a hurricane force gust of 82 mph on Mt. Diablo, triggering a Severe Turbulence warning for holiday flights in and out of the region.

The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Advisory for the San Francisco Bay Area that will remain in place until 4 p.m.

"North to northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph...locally up to 80 mph highest peaks," the weather service said.

The advisory covers the North Bay Mountains, East Bay Hills and the Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains including the cities of Angwin, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Woodacre, Blackhawk, Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek, and Day Valley.

Napa County officials warned residents to be prepared for strong winds.

"Gusty winds may blow down limbs or trees, especially those within burn scars where dead and dying trees could be at additional risk of falling," the county's Emergency Service Dept said in a release. "It is also advised to secure any temporary structures to protect them from the winds. Motorists should use caution when driving high profile vehicles or pulling trailers in windy conditions."

The blustery winds were also creating uncomfortable flight travel to and from local airports.

The strong winds also were contributing to the severe drought conditions that have gripped the San Francisco Bay Area. January is generally one of the region's wettest months, but not this year. Most of Napa County and a portion of nearby Solano County have moved into the extreme drought designation.

Both counties were ravaged last year by wildfire that were fueled by the tinder-dry hillsides.