The National Weather Service is predicting high winds and heavy rain this evening, and current weather patterns point to the heaviest winds hitting Redmond between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Widespread tree damage and power outages are anticipated throughout the region. The city emergency management team is currently monitoring the weather situation and preparing to deploy emergency city services as needed. The Emergency Control Center will be activated at 4 p.m. tonight when the police, fire, public works and parks and recreation departments will open a joint department operating center to monitor and deploy emergency services as necessary. The Emergency Control Center will be in operation until the storm has passed and a clean-up and recovery plan is in place.

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, plan ahead for alternate sources of power.

Residents are urged to stay inside during the height of the storm. When venturing out, here are some important reminders:

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.

Be mindful in parks and outdoor recreational areas. Watch for flying debris and downed trees.

When it’s safe to do so, check on your neighbors and share resources when possible.

Additional storm information and resources:

The Redmond Senior Center, located at 8703 160th Ave. N.E., will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

The following city events have been cancelled today: Archaeology Day and Fire Prevention Week open houses. The Redmond Saturday Market will also be closed.

Sheltering for homeless families is available at Redmond United Methodist Church, located at 16540 N.E. 80th St., will open the Eastside Winter Shelter serving families at 8:30 p.m. tonight.

For other sheltering needs, contact the Red Cross at (206) 323-2345.

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.

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

Information will be updated via the city’s website at www.redmond.gov and via social media as it comes available.