Los Angeles ? Thousands of Southern California residents were without power Thursday as strong winds knocked down power lines and blew blinding dust across desert roadways.

About 2,300 customers of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power were without electricity, mainly in the Hollywood Hills, agency spokesman Joe Ramallo said. He said crews had restored power to more than 19,000 customers since Wednesday night.

Winds blew at 20-35 mph in many areas Thursday morning, with gusts possibly as high as 65 mph in deserts, mountains and canyons. The winds subsided by the afternoon.

High winds on Christmas Day blew down power lines and transformers, and utility crews were placed on standby in anticipation of more strong gusts.