The National Weather Service in Seattle issued a High Wind Warning for large portions of Western Washington, with forecasters warning of damaging winds, falling trees and possible power outages from Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday.
The warning takes effect at 4 p.m. Tuesday and remains in place until 6 a.m. Wednesday, covering a wide area that includes much of the Puget Sound lowlands, the Olympic Peninsula, the northern Washington coast and nearby inland communities.
Forecasters say southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected, with gusts reaching 50 to 55 mph in many locations.
The strongest winds are expected during the evening and overnight hours as a powerful weather system moves through the region.
Areas included in the High Wind Warning range from Everett, Marysville and Mount Vernon to Olympia, Tacoma, Federal Way and Kent, as well as Port Townsend, the Hood Canal region, the western Strait of Juan de Fuca and the North Olympic Coast.
Coastal communities such as Westport, Ocean Shores, La Push and Neah Bay are also included.
The National Weather Service warns that the winds may knock down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages in some areas.
Travel could become difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and RVs.
In addition to the High Wind Warning, a Wind Advisory has been issued for parts of Seattle, the Eastside, San Juan County, Western Whatcom County and Eastern Kitsap County, including Bremerton and Silverdale.
In those areas, winds are expected to range from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching 40 to 45 mph.
While winds under an advisory are typically weaker than warning-level gusts, meteorologists say they can still blow around unsecured objects, snap tree limbs and cause scattered power outages.
The National Weather Service urges people to avoid forested areas, stay clear of trees and branches, and secure outdoor items such as garbage cans, holiday decorations and patio furniture.
Drivers are asked to use caution, especially during the evening commute and overnight hours when winds are expected to peak.
Residents are also advised to remain indoors during the strongest winds, stay away from windows, and move to lower levels of their homes if possible.
The weather service says conditions are expected to improve after daybreak Wednesday as winds gradually ease across Western Washington.
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