Public Works is out about town stacking sandbags this morning to protect against possible minor coastal flooding Wednesday morning followed by damaging high winds Wednesday afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service alerts come as the region continues to deal with saturated soils and lingering impacts from recent storms.

The Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Advisory and a High Wind Warning for La Conner and surrounding areas for the day, covering two distinct but overlapping hazards.

Coastal Flood Advisory: Minor tidal flooding expected Wednesday morning

A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 24, for low-lying coastal areas of western Skagit County, including La Conner.

According to the National Weather Service, minor coastal flooding is expected around the morning high tide, with inundation of 1.75 to 2.25 feet above ground level possible in shoreline and low-lying areas. Inundation refers to water rising above the Mean Higher High Water tide level.

The advisory warns that tidal overflow may flood parking lots, parks and roads with isolated road closures possible. Coastal flooding is expected to occur in the hours immediately surrounding high tide.

Officials advise residents to allow extra travel time, avoid driving through flooded areas or around barricades, and take steps to protect flood-prone property.

High wind warning: Gusts up to 60 mph possible; outages likely

A high wind warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, covering western Skagit County, Island County, San Juan County and surrounding lowland areas. The National Weather Service forecasts southeast winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph.

The Weather Service said winds are expected to start east to northeast earlier in the day before an abrupt shift to southerly winds by midday, when the strongest gusts are likely. A separate utility alert echoed the forecast and warned that while there is some uncertainty about the storm’s severity, power outages should be expected, with the highest risk during the day as winds intensify.

With soils already saturated, the Weather Service warned there is an enhanced risk of trees uprooting, which can bring down power lines and lead to widespread outages. Travel may also be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Residents can track and report outages through Puget Sound Energy:

• PSE outage map: PSE | Outage map and restoration times
• Report an outage: PSE | Report a power outage to Puget Sound Energy
• Outage preparedness: PSE | Outage resources