BELLINGHAM - A high wind warning has been issued for the Bellingham area, as weather forecasters expect southwesterly winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts to 65 mph through Monday morning, Feb. 25.

The warning issued by the National Weather Service is in effect until 1 p.m.

Winds are expected to pick up through the morning before diminishing in the afternoon.

People should be prepared for possible power outages and be wary of tree limbs in streets and other debris.

The wind warning replaces a less severe wind advisory that had previously been issued.

In addition to the wind, expect heavy showers at times before tapering off late in the day.

One overnight gust of 52 mph was recorded at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station and the National Weather Service says other gusts in Western Washington were in the 30 to 40 mph range.

Rain in the lowlands is accompanied by snow in the Cascades where another 4 to 9 inches are forecast Monday above 2,000 feet.

More snow also is forecast for the mountains of Eastern Washington with some accumulations in northern valleys. The Weather Service expected 1 to 3 inches in the Spokane-area.