The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a wind advisory for the Puget Sound area and other parts of Western Washington for Friday afternoon.

The strong and gusty winds could cause brief power outages, which could knock out traffic lights. The winds could snap tree branches and topple small or shallow-rooted trees.

At just before noon, the winds at Renton Municipal Airport were relatively calm, at 8 mph. But by 1 p.m, winds were picking up.

Winds from the southwest are expected to range from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph.

The winds will increase early in the afternoon in advance of a strong cold front moving in, then diminish later in the afternoon, according to the weather service.

Highs for Friday are expected in the low 50s, with lows in the upper 30s. Rain will continue through the weekend.