EVERETT — Winds are expected to blow through Snohomish County as we begin the new year.

Gusts could reach 45 mph through Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.

Rain also could increase the risk of landslides and cause flooding in local rivers. Thunderstorms were possible, but the chance was low.

In the mountains, the Northwest Avalanche Center warned of avalanche danger at high elevations.

Stronger winds were expected to be closer to the water and may cause power outages, said Jacob DeFlitch, meteorologist for the weather service in Seattle.

“It hasn’t been too breezy yet this season, so it could knock some limbs down on power lines,” he said.

Tuesday morning, more than a dozen PUD customers were without power on Camano Island due to a tree in a power line.

By Tuesday afternoon, about 80 households near 67th Avenue NE and Marysville Pilchuck High School lost power for the same reason.

In both cases, power was expected to be restored Tuesday evening.

Power outages can be tracked online at the PUD’s website, outagemap.snopud.com. The agency is closed on New Year’s Day, but crews are prepared in case of a storm.

DeFlitch suggested making sure holiday yard decorations, garbage cans and other light items outside were secure.

Gusts could also bring large waves to the beach, causing erosion and carrying debris to shore.

“If you’re out on the beach, a higher surf can be very dangerous,” DeFlitch said.

The weather service also issued a flood watch for the county, with a main concern being the Stillaguamish River. Forecasts said rainfall could reach up to six inches in parts of Western Washington through Wednesday.

As of Tuesday evening, weather reports did not anticipate flooding, but that could change quickly, DeFlitch said.

Temperatures were expected to stay a few degrees higher than average, around the 50s.

Stephanie Davey: 425-339-3192; sdavey@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @stephrdavey.