UPDATE: Weather Service Says Widespread Power Outages Possible Friday

UPDATE: 4:25 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning and a flood watch for the Lehigh Valley and that combination could cause widespread downed trees and power lines and outages.

The weather service issued the high wind warning that starts at 2 p.m. Friday and lasts through midnight.

Sustained winds averaging 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph, combined with one-to-two inches of heavy rain, will cause the possibility of downed tree limbs and power lines, the weather service said in a release.

The flood watch lasts from Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. The weather service said flooding is not likely along the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, but could occur along small streams and poor drainage areas.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for clearing skies Saturday and chance of rain or snow Sunday.

Reported 2:25 p.m: High winds and heavy rain forecast for Thursday night and Friday has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a high wind watch for the entire Lehigh Valley, from Friday morning through Friday evening.

The watch calls for sustained winds of between 20 and 25 mph Friday with gusts up to 60 mph at times. That, along with forecast heavy rain, could make travel difficult and cause havoc with trees and power lines.

"Downed trees and tree limbs could take power lines as well as damage vehicles parked under them," the weather service statement said. "Winds will make it difficult to drive high profile vehicles especially on bridges and overpasses."

The National Weather Service advises residents to continue monitoring future forecasts in advance of the storm.