The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Pacific coast from this afternoon through Friday morning.
The Weather Service warned of “the potential of strong, damaging winds.”
An approaching storm tonight could bring “a strong surge of westerly winds” along the Strait and on the Pacific Coast, the weather bulletin said.
Heavy rains are also forecast.
“In these areas, west winds 50 mph to 60 mph with gusts of 80 mph and 90 mph are possible,” the Weather Service said.
“There is a good chance that these especially strong west winds will blow across Whidbey Island later Thursday night,” it said Wednesday.
The rain and winds are expected to diminish by noon Friday.
The Peninsula Daily News’ AccuWeather five-day forecast is accessible by clicking on “Weather” at left.