The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for much of Northwest Washington.

The warning is for the Admiralty Inlet area, San Juan county, western Whatcom and Skagit counties, and the greater Seattle area, according to warnings, issued Thursday morning by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Winds will increase on Thursday morning, and peak during the afternoon. Southerly winds are forecast at 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds are expected over the San Juan islands and the near-shore portions of Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties.

The warning said the anticipated wind speeds can cause trees and tree branches to fall, and that power outages can be expected. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts

of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage, the warning said.

The high wind warning will remain in effect until 10 p.m. this evening, but very windy conditions are expected to continue into Friday.