LOS ANGELES (AP) — Strong Santa Ana winds are sweeping through Southern California’s mountains and passes.

The National Weather Service says Thursday’s winds are being created by strong surface high pressure over the Great Basin have produced gusts up to 72 mph at Chilao in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles.

High-wind warnings have been issued in many areas, with forecasters saying the gusts could make mountain travel difficult and could topple trees and down power lines.

The California Highway Patrol urged caution for drivers of high-profile vehicles in the inland region east of Los Angeles.

Elsewhere, the Santa Anas have brought sparkling skies as the winds push clouds well offshore.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)