A significant fall storm has arrived Wednesday morning and will last through the early morning hours of Thursday.

A high wind warning has been issued by the National Weather Service from 9 a.m this morning through 9 p.m. this evening, with sustained Southeast and South winds at 25-40 mph, gusting to 55 mph along with heavy rain. Coastal areas of Grays Harbor County will be affected including Ocean Shores, Westport, Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Moclips and Taholah. Peak winds will be this afternoon and ease this evening, according to Grays Harbor County Emergency Management.

Away from the coast, gusty wind conditions and heavy rain will impact the entire region.

All area rivers will rise but unlikely to reach flood stage, according to Charles Wallace, Emergency Management deputy director.

Trees have full canopies and the high winds bring a high potential for localized power outages from fallen tree branches resulting in downed power lines. Localized urban flooding could occur due to leaf covered storm drains. Many trees will have all leaves stripped from them during this storm event.

“On the horizon, another storm is heading our way this weekend, which at this time, appears to be comparable to the Wednesday storm.,” Wallace said. ?The storm may bring heavy rainfall, increasing the possibility some area streams and rivers could approach flood stage. At this point the storm is still a few days away. Better storm models will be available later in the week.”

Heavy rainfall accumulations from Wednesday morning through Wednesday night are forecast to be between 1.5-2 inches.

“Heavy downpours could occur at any time. Please use caution while driving during periods of rain due to the potential of pooled water on area roads and highways,” Emergency Management warned.

Do not use portable generators indoors or near windows or doors.

Grays Harbor PUD also issued a news release reminding customers to stay clear of downed power lines.

“Just because a line is down on the ground or hanging from a downed tree or pole, does not mean that it is de-energized,” said PUD Safety/Environment Director Dale Benner. “If you come across a downed power line, stay away from it and immediately contact the PUD.”

On Tuesday, PUD crews witnessed a close call on the Walker Road when a property owner was found cutting a fallen tree that lay next to a downed, but still energized line.

“That customer was very lucky,” said Benner. “If he had made contact with that line, at best he is in the hospital and at worst it would have killed him.”

If you see a downed power line, you are advised to immediately call 911. If you are in a vehicle that has struck a power pole and the lines are near or on your car, you should call 911 and stay in your vehicle until help arrives.