It's going to be windy in a big way this weekend. The National Weather Service this morning posted an upgraded high wind warning for the whole area through Monday, with accompanying red flag warnings for fire danger. Per usual the gusts will be strongest near mountains or beneath passes, but it should be a pretty good blow everywhere. If you're going to the high desert, well, take insurance.

DURING THE PEAK OF THE NORTHEAST EVENT..THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR NORTHEAST WINDS OF 40 TO 50 MPH WITH DAMAGING WIND GUSTS AS HIGH AS 80 MPH THROUGH PASSES AND CANYONS....

PEOPLE TRAVELLING THROUGH THE ANTELOPE VALLEY ... INCLUDING HIGHWAYS 14 AND 138 ... SHOULD EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION.

The phrase "batten down the hatches" turns up 118,000 Google hits. "This term originated in the navy, where it signified preparing for a storm by fastening down canvas over doorways and hatches (openings) with strips of wood called battens," offers Answers.com.