SAN DIEGO - Strong northeast-to-east winds are expected to buffet the mountains and coastal slopes and foothills of San Diego County through this Thursday evening.

"The strongest winds are likely occur in the San Diego County mountains and lower coastal slopes due to the more easterly direction of the offshore flow," according to the National Weather Service. "Winds will peak through (the) morning, and then start to diminish (Thursday night).

"However, offshore flow will remain locally breezy through early next week," NWS forecasters said.

The weather service scheduled a high wind warning for the valleys and mountains until 10 a.m., at which time a less serious wind advisory for the same areas is set to take effect until 10 p.m.

Throughout the day Thursday, sustained winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour, gusting up to 60 mph or more, are expected.