UPDATE: Wind Advisory On Now; Edmonds Could Be in For Strong Gusts

UPDATE: Wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in portions of Snohomish County, including Edmonds. This means there could be sustained winds of 30 mph to 39 mph or gusts of 45 mph to 57 mph.

The National Weather Service has issued a weather advistory for portions of western Washington, including Edmodns, with strong winds beginning this morning and continuing into the evening hours.

The strongest winds, with gusts up to 57 mph, are expected to hit the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Whidbey Island, Port Townsend and northern Snohomish County.

The storm could prune summer growth from neighborhood trees and send branches into overhead power lines. The Weather Service is advising residents to prepare for possible power outages.

The snow level is expected to drop to 1,500 feet in the Cascade Mountains.

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Here are some more things you can do to be ready:

• Be sure to have fresh batteries in your flashlights. Don't use candles or other sources of open flame for light. Candles are fine for romantic dinners, but several burning in your house at one time is a fire hazard.

• Know how to use the manual override on your garage door.

• Unplug sensitive electronic equipment (e.g., computers, TVs) until after the power is restored.

• Minimize opening your refrigerator. The less you open the door, the longer your food will stay good.

• Never touch or come near a downed power line. Stay at least 30 feet away and call the PUD at 425-783-1001.

• If you are on life-support equipment, be sure you have a backup source of power.

• Never use a charcoal or gas grill to cook indoors, and never use the gas burners on your stovetop to heat your home. These can produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide.

For more information, including a complete list of measures you can take to protect yourself, your family and your belongings, go to "If the Power Goes Out" from the Snohomish County PUD.

For even more information on winter storms, go to takewinterbystorm.org.