Fierce winds topple trees, signs, big rigs in Mojave Desert

PALMDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Fierce wind gusts continued to rock the Southland on Wednesday, knocking over trees, signs and even big rigs.

The blustery winds toppled over a gas station awning in the Mojave Desert. Signs from area businesses and other debris were seen strewn about.

Get your full ABC7 forecast here.

Eyewitness News viewer Bryce Schaefer shared video he captured of a roof getting partially ripped off a motel in the Mojave Desert due to strong winds.

The winds also ripped off the top of a carport, which caused debris to fly into windows, spraying rooms with shattered glass.

Tap here to watch on the news app.

Carol Bohamed, who manages a Chevron gas station off the 14 Freeway in Palmdale, said in all her time working in the area, she's never seen it this bad.

"We are used to about 40, 50 mph winds, but these were a lot stronger," Bohamed said.

The wind gusts were so strong that at least half a dozen big rigs came crashing to their sides along the 14 Freeway on the drive into Kern County on Tuesday.

The California Highway Patrol shut down the freeway to high-profile vehicles for hours, but roads have since reopened.

A high wind warning was in effect for the Antelope Valley and the Los Angeles County mountains, excluding the Santa Monica range. Wind advisories were also in effect for the Santa Barbara and Ventura county mountains and the Santa Clarita valley.

Follow @abc7weather on Twitter for up-to-the-minute weather updates.