Hey, it's going to be cold and windy

You may have been among the hordes that went to the beach on Sunday (or at least helped to clog traffic on Pacific Coast Highway.) But winter, such as it is, isn't quite done with us yet. The National Weather Service advises that a cold weather system will be sliding in Tuesday. If you were thinking of going sailing, take a look at the map. The purple shows the waters expected to feel gale-force winds.

Meanwhile, here on land:

The strongest winds will be focused across the mountains and deserts, where there will be damaging gusts over 60 mph. Many coastal and valley areas could see wind gusts in the 40 to 50 mph range. Difficult driving conditions can be expected for high profile vehicles, with the potential for reduced visibilities due to blowing dust in the Antelope Valley. While available moisture with this system will be limited, there will be a chance of showers, with the greatest threat across the mountains and Antelope Valley. Snow levels will fall quickly on Tuesday afternoon, eventually lowering to 2500 feet on Tuesday night. As a result, there could be some winter weather driving conditions in the mountains, impacting portions of highway 5 near the Grapevine, as well as Interstate 14 through Soledad Canyon. Snowfall accumulations in the mountains are expected to generally range between 1 to 3 inches. In addition, there will be a chance of snow showers in the Antelope Valley, with little or no accumulation expected.

This winter has been so mild, by the way, that Mammoth Mountain has laid off 75 permanent employees, according to outdoors writer Pete Thomas.

Also from Thomas: Watch a blind surfer from Brazil ride the Pipeline on the north shore of Oahu, where it still is winter.