High wind watch in effect for Thurston County on Dec. 24

A strong south, southwest wind with gusts as high as 55 miles per hour is likely to make conditions less than ideal for last-minute holiday shoppers and motorists in Thurston County.

A high wind watch is scheduled to be in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, the National Weather Service Office in Seattle forecast shows.

“Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible,” the high wind watch states. “Travel could be difficult for high profile vehicles.”

The forecast also calls for a steady south, southwest wind of 21 to 26 miles per hour with a high near 48 degrees. Rain is likely before 3 p.m. with new precipitation amounts between one-tenth and one-quarter inch possible.

Puget Sound Energy also issued an advisory ahead of the windstorm.

"We know how important the holidays are for spending time with loved ones, and how disruptive it is to be without power, especially after recent outages caused by high winds and heavy rain," the utility said.

"We are proactively staffing first responders and crews to prepare and are encouraging our customers to prepare their homes and emergency kits now."

To report and track power outages, click here.

Christmas Eve should be a bit calmer with a south wind of 6 to 11 miles per hour becoming northeast after midnight, and an overnight low around 36 degrees. 

Rain is likely on Christmas Day with a 70 percent chance of precipitation and new rainfall amounts of less than one-tenth of an inch. The high should be near 45 degrees with a northeast wind of 6 miles per hour.

Rain is in the forecast through Friday, Dec. 26, but weather conditions are expected to improve on the weekend. Forecasts are subject to change.