No Damage Reports From Strong Winds

Palm Desert Public Works was busy cleaning up fallen branches around the city from a strong wind storm today, but no damage was reported.

The winds began blowing around 8 p.m. Wednesday and reached gusts up to 45 mph early Thursday.

A wind advisory is in effect through 2 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

While the Coachella Valley escaped damage, Santa Ana winds in the Los Angeles area flipped over trees and trucks and cut power to more than 300,000 California customers.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department spokesman Angel Ramos said dispatchers told him they had not received reports of wind damage in the valley.

A spokeswomen for the Cathedral City and Palm Springs fire departments said they had not had wind-related calls as of 11:30 a.m. Riverside County Fire Department spokeswoman Tia Wilson said a fire damaged a Thousand Palms home today, but it was not clear if it was aggravated by wind.

Additionally, Coachella Valley cities are going ahead with their tree lightings tonight. Events are planned in Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Cathedral City and Indio. Spokespeople for three of the cities said the wind has not affected plans; Cathedral City spokeswoman Lynn Mallotto said the city's tree lighting will move inside.

"Should the inclement weather continue in its progressive manner, the U.S. Marine Corps Band, Cathedral City High School Chorale and guests will be relocated to the lobby of the Pickford Theatre,'' Mallotto said. "By some small miracle, should the weather improve, the event will remain in Town
Square.''

City News Service and Jessica E. Davis contributed to this report.