High winds this afternoon at Long Beach in Pacific County

LONG BEACH, Pacific County — High winds and driving rain lashed the Washington Coast at Long Beach this afternoon. The power went out in town just after 2 p.m., and people have been streaming into Sid's Market all day to stock up on supplies.

A couple of trees had fallen across Highway 101.

The National Weather Service said winds 30 to 40 mph were expected along the coast this afternoon, with gusts 55 to 70 mph. Winds were forecast to strengthen later tonight, with gusts as high as 100 mph.

"Several times a year we get bad storms, but this is pretty strong," said Long Beach resident Deanna Renfro. "It really kicked up around 11 or so."