NOAA: expect gale force Friday in San Juan, Whatcom, Skagit counties

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released the following warnings for San Juan, Whatcom and Western Skagit counties:

Gale force winds are possible in the northwest interior of Western Washington and Strait of Juan de Fuca on Friday afternoon and night.

Gales of 30 to 40 knots will develop in the central strait of Juan de Fuca, east entrance to the strait, Admiralty Inlet, and northern inland waters Friday afternoon, continuing Friday night.

Winds of 25 to 35 mph are likely along some areas adjacent to these waters, especially across the eastern strait of Juan de Fuca, Whidbey Island and western Whatcom County, which could cause local damage or power outages.

In addition, local coastal flooding is possible late Friday in the northwest interior of Western Washington. The gale-force winds expected Friday will produce waves of six to nine feet. These waves could coincide with Friday afternoon’s high tide and create flooding over coastal portions of the inland waters of the north interior and northern Puget Sound areas.