SEATTLE -- Damaging winds from a storm roaring in from the ocean are likely Thursday night, the KIRO 7 Pinpoint Severe Weather Center warned.

A high wind warning is in effect from 2 p.m. until 10 a.m. Friday in Western Washington for predicted winds of 40 mph with gusts to 65 mph.

Forecasters expect 50- to 60-mph winds on the coast with gusts to 80 or 90, strong enough to bring down trees.

Ted Beuhner of the National Weather Service told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News the storm will be stronger than the one last February, when 250,000 homes lost power just before the Super Bowl.

Some meteorologists are predicting it could be the most severe windstorm since the Inauguration Day Storm of 1993.

"We often get powerful wind or rain storms or even thunderstorms, but we rarely see all three at the same time. That is the most amazing thing to me about what we have seen so far," KIRO 7 Chief Meteorologist Andy Wappler said.

Forecasters said winds will peak overnight and ease later Friday. The National Weather Service said the winds will likely bring down trees and electrical lines, causing power outages. Winds also could cause some damage to buildings.

Gov. Christine Gregoire is urging extreme caution as storms pummel the state and is asking residents to prepare to deal with power outages for several days.

In a statement from her Olympia office, the governor urged residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from the hazards of the extreme weather. She said that if you absolutely have to be on the highways, use extreme caution. It's better to stay home if you can, she said.

Officials said residents should find their flashlights and prepare for power outages. People should secure garbage cans or other things in their yards that could blow away. Boat owners should make sure their vessels are secure -- and batten down the hatches.

Officials issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for parts of Western Washington. A flood watch is in effect for rivers in King, Lewis, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Grays Harbor counties.

Rain was falling at a rate of an inch an hour as the storm front moved through the state.

In the 24 hours up until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport received 1.09 inches of rain, Shelton in Mason County recorded 2.19 inches, Olympia had 1.53 inches, Hoquiam on the coast had 1.83 inches, and Maple Falls in the Cascade foothills east of Bellingham had 1.46 inches.

Heavy rainfall during the evening commute caused backups throughout the area, and urban flooding in downtown Seattle closed many streets and sent drivers on alternate routes.

Video: Strong Winds And Urban Flooding Slow Commute

The southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near the state Route 508 intersection south of Chehalis are closed because of trees across the freeway.

Many schools across the area have reported school closures and cancellations for Thursday night and Friday morning. For more information, see the complete list.

The storm blowing in from the Pacific also will bring heavy snow to the mountains. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Cascades.

Forecasters expect 1 to 3 feet of new snow in the Cascades by Friday afternoon.

Video: Preparing For Round 2

In Grays Harbor County, the Public Utilities District said crews are ready to repair lines after the forecast windstorm hits the Washington coast with 80 to 90 mph gusts. The utility urged customers to prepare for as long as three days without power.

Trees toppled by gale-force winds crashed down onto power lines and homes early Wednesday, and thousands of homes were without power after a storm blew through the region late Tuesday night.

Slideshow: Storm In Pictures

High winds sent a tree crashing down into an Issaquah home.

"We were watching the news, KIRO 7 News, and they said it's going to be windy," said Rima Edmonds, the homeowner. "And sure enough, right after that, down came a tree."

The tree narrowly missed Edmonds' baby boy and his grandmother, who were in the living room when the tree came down.

"The baby was right next to me on the couch, and I just heard this thud, and all of a sudden everything was down. I just couldn't find the baby," said Sharon Christensen.

Video: Tree Crashes Into House, Hitting Woman

Christensen found the baby, who was buried in insulation that rained down when the tree hit the house.

Falling trees hit school buses in Tukwila and Auburn on Wednesday. One driver suffered minor injuries.

Winds set a crane spinning at a condo tower construction project in downtown Seattle. Get complete story.