BANGOR, Maine — Batten down the hatches. The National Weather Service is forecasting some windy and wet weather for coastal Maine this week.
The weather service issued gale warnings Tuesday for coastal Maine, from Stonington to Cape Elizabeth, effective from 8 p.m. Wednesday to noon Thursday and for the waters off the coast, from the Gulf of Maine to the Hague Line, effective from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday.
A wind advisory was issued Tuesday for Waldo and Knox counties, and a high wind watch was put into effect for coastal Hancock and Washington counties. Winds of 20- to 30-mph and gusts of up to 50 mph were predicted for Wednesday night through noon Thursday.
Forecasters warned that the winds could take down trees, cause power outages and make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles.
On top of the heavy wind, a soaking rain is expected to develop Wednesday and continue into Thursday.
Forecasters said there is a potential for coastal flooding in Hancock and Washington counties around high tide Thursday morning through the afternoon.
Some overwash is possible at high tide, which will occur around 12:33 p.m., the weather service said.
Coastal residents should watch for further weather service statements or warnings and take action to protect property.