The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for the Puget Sound area Thursday evening through Friday. Excessive stormy weather is expected to hit the region hardest on Thursday evening as well as Saturday and is predicted to continue through Sunday. The storm may bring powerful wind and heavy rains with possible flooding. Widespread tree damage and power outages are anticipated throughout the region.

The City of Redmond (@CityofRedmond) will use Facebook and Twitter to keep residents updated on current weather-related emergency information.

Residents are encouraged to prepare now in the event of power outages and ensure emergency kits are stocked and easily accessible. If you have home medical equipment that is dependent on electrical power, please plan ahead for alternate sources of power.

If possible, residents are urged to avoid venturing out during the storms. If you have to drive, here are some important reminders from the City of Redmond:

• Drive slowly with caution in heavy rain and winds.

• If a downed tree has struck a power line, is blocking roadway/sidewalk, or has damaged a structure resulting in a safety hazard, report it to 911.

• Assume all downed power or utility lines are energized and report them to 911. Do not drive over lines.

• If traffic lights are out, treat intersections as all-way stops and watch carefully for other drivers coming through the intersection.

• If your electricity goes out and there are no safety risks at your home, do not call 911. Report all power outages to Puget Sound Energy.

For updated weather information, follow the National Weather Service in Seattle’s Twitter account, @NWSSeattle or www.weather.gov/seattle.

King County urges residents to register for regional public alerts at www.kingcounty.gov/ALERTkingcounty and to frequently check the regional emergency news blog at www.kcemergency.com for centralized, up-to-date information.

At this time, EvergreenHealth has no plans to close locations or cancel services; but this is subject to change based on the impact of the storm. Patients and community members are encouraged to call Healthline at (425) 899-3000 for questions about practice closures, surgery schedules and if they need to reschedule any appointments due to the inability to travel.

Additionally, members of the community can check the EvergreenHealth website and social media for any updates of closures or changes to schedules: www.evergreenhealth.com/storm-information, www.facebook.com/evergreenhospital.org and www.twitter.com/EvergreenHosp