Strong storm system moving into Western Washington, promising heavy rain and winds

A strong storm system is moving into Western Washington, promising heavy rain, high winds in some areas and potential flooding through early Tuesday.

• Windy and rainy
• High wind warnings with very strong wind
• Potential flooding for flood prone rivers
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A high wind warning is in effect at the coast, Admiralty Inlet, and the north interior north of Everett. Some affected areas include Whidbey Island, Ferndale, Bellingham, Port Townsend and Eastsound. Sustained winds are forecast to be 25-40 mph with gusts from 50 to 60 mph.

This is the first big wind storm of the season for those areas, so snapped limbs and downed trees are a strong possibility.

It will be breezy around the rest of the Sound. The wind is expected to ramp up in the afternoon and be the strongest Monday night, with the high wind warning ending at 4 a.m. Tuesday.

Rain will continue through the Monday morning commute and increase as the day goes on with the heaviest rain over the Olympics and north Cascades.

flood watch in effect through Tuesday evening for portions of Mason and Whatcom counties.  About five inches is forecast on the Skokomish River basin, which could drive the Skokomish River above flood stage Monday night. Heavy rain in the north Cascades will also lead to the potential for flooding on the Nooksack River later Monday night or Tuesday.

In the mountains, a winter weather advisory is in effect for the Cascades mainly around Stevens and Snoqualmie passes until noon Monday. A freezing rain advisory is also in effect through noon on Monday above 2,500 feet.

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