A deep, upper-level trough brought strong and gusty westerly winds to the mountains and deserts. Several wind gusts over 75 mph were observed, especially on the desert slopes leading down into the Coachella Valley. This resulted in areas of blowing dust and sand on the desert floor, reducing visibility to near zero at times.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 25-MAR-14 23:30:00 to 26-MAR-14 21:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

High winds began at the Volcan Mountain mesonet between 2320 and 2340 PST on the 25th and ended between 2130 and 2140 PST on the 26th. During this period of time, winds gusted mostly over 60 mph. The peak wind gust of 72 mph was measured  between 1820 and 1830 PST on the 26th.
High winds occurred at the Harrison Park mesonet off and on between 1810 and 2150 PST on the 26th. During this time, a peak wind gust of 61 mph was measured between 1830 and 1840 PST on the 26th.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY DESERTS, CALIFORNIA
From 26-MAR-14 12:00:00 to 26-MAR-14 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter SDG956 just southeast of Borrego Springs measured a wind gust of 73 mph. around 1750 PST on the 26th. A nearby spotter reported tree limbs/branches 2 inches in diameter down, with winds 30 mph gusting to 45 mph with a peak gust of 53 mph.

Dust Storm in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 26-MAR-14 12:00:00 to 26-MAR-14 16:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

According to CHP, multiple cars crashed on Highway 86 near Thermal/Mecca due to zero visibility from high winds blowing dust. CHP issued a sig alert following the crash and all southbound lanes on Highway 86 were closed. KTRM airport at the time was reporting winds WSW 22 mph with gusts to 37 mph. The Coachella weather observation had NW winds 15 mph, gusting to 31 mph.
Near Palm Springs, Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino are both closed at the wash due to low visibilty from blowing dust. Winds at the time: Edom Hill was NW at 50 mph with gusts to 68 mph, while KPSP airport was NE at 25 mph with gusts 38 mph.

High Wind in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 25-MAR-14 22:50:00 to 26-MAR-14 19:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 71.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

High winds began at the Edom Hill SDGE mesonet between 2150 PST on the 25th and 0050 PST on the 26th. At this time, a first peak gust of 62 mph was recorded, followed by a period of sub-criteria winds. High winds resumed between 0950 and 1050 PST on the 26th, ending between 1850 and 1950 PST that evening. During this second period, a peak gust of 82 mph was recorded around 1600 PST. Several other gusts over 70 mph were recorded as well. High winds also occurred at the Whitewater RAWS between 0450 and 1850 PST on the 26th. During this time, a peak gust of 63 mph was measured between 0750 and 0850 PST.
Three jets headed into Palm Springs airport were diverted to Los Angeles and Ontario due to strong wind shear and rotors over KPSP between 0925  and 0931 PST. Pilots also reported extreme turbulence over Palm Springs.