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Winter is off to a wild and woolly start here in Humboldt. The region’s record-breaking rainfall will be followed tonight by a high-wind warning, according to the National Weather Service. 

“A very strong system will approach Northwest California Tuesday, bringing strong to damaging winds to the region Tuesday Night through Wednesday morning,” warn the good folks at the NWS office on Woodley Island.

As you can see in the graphic above, a “High Wind Warning” covering Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and Lake counties will be in effect from 7 p.m. tonight through 10 a.m. Wednesday, with the strongest winds over the coastal headlands, exposed ridges and “channeled gaps” in the terrain.

The agency’s warning continues:

Downed trees, blowing debris, and power outages are likely. AVOID TRAVEL DURING THE STRONGEST WINDS! High wind warnings and wind advisories have been issued for the entire region. Wind gusts of 50-70 mph are likely in Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, and Lake counties with locally higher gusts. Elsewhere gusts to 50 mph are possible with ridge-tops possibly seeing higher winds. Saturated ground will make trees more susceptible to toppling over. Prepare now for the possibility of losing power.

The Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services is also encouraging caution and preparedness. (See below.)

Stay safe out there, folks!