Much of the Washington-Oregon coast is being impacted by an AR3 atmospheric river Tuesday, Dec. 17.

LONG BEACH — With advisories starting to stack up for stormy weather heading into the busy Christmas week travel time, the National Weather Service in Portland has issued a high wind warning for Pacific County and the north Oregon coast starting noon Tuesday, Dec. 17, through 4 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. Mentioned places include Naselle, Astoria, Raymond, Tokeland, Ocean Park and Long Beach, plus others.

South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected for beaches and headlands. Strongest winds are expected this evening, Dec. 17. There is a 20% chance for wind gusts to exceed 58 mph for inland coastal communities.

“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles,” the weather service said.

Rainfall of 1.75 to 3 inches is predicted Tuesday, before things calm down Wednesday, with some sunshine currently predicted.

Tuesday’s storm is the result of an AR3 atmospheric river on a zero to five scale, with a mix of beneficial precipitation and hazardous aspects including damaging winds, potential mild flooding and a heightened risk of landslides.