IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- High winds in eastern San Diego County and in Imperial County caused a wall of dust to blow across Interstate 8 and knocked some power lines onto the freeway, closing it to through traffic.

Caltrans issued a high wind advisory for Interstate 8 from Alpine to Ocotillo amid the severe weather. Drivers are advised to reduce speed and use headlights and wipers as thunderstorms move through the region.

Caltrans reports both directions of I-8 at Gordons Well Road in Imperial Valley are closed because of downed power lines that were blown onto the freeway. Officials say it is never safe to touch downed power lines.

Downed power poles are also blocking SR-115 in both directions from Miller Road to I-8 in Imperial Valley, Caltrans reports.

The high winds

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