SEATTLE – A potentially destructive wind storm continues to move towards the Pacific Northwest and is expected to hit Thursday.

The latest models show the storm is tracking towards the southern part of Vancouver Island and the northern Washington coast.

Even though it likely won't be as strong as the December 14, 2006 wind storm that knocked out power to over 1 million customers, it could be very damaging because of all the leaves and limbs still on the trees this time of year.

KING 5 Meteorologist Jeff Renner says the Washington coast and the Strait of Juan de Fuca will get winds anywhere from 25 to 50 mph in the early morning. Winds in the Strait will diminish by early afternoon. By that time, the winds will move into the Puget Sound and Hood Canal areas, with speeds anywhere from 20 to 40 mph and gusts up to 50 until early evening.

At elevations of 800-1,000 feet or higher, there could be sustained winds of 25-50 mph, depending on location. That includes areas such as Cougar, Squak and Tiger mountains.

You can also expect to see plenty of rain in the morning. But the brunt of the storm is likely to hit the Seattle metro area during Thursday afternoon’s rush hour.

In Oregon, the National Weather Service has a high wind watch in effect for the coast with peak gusts at 75 miles per hour. KGW meteorologist Joe Michaels forecasts 30-40 mile per hour sustained winds in the Portland area with gusts reaching 45 miles per hour between Thursday morning and mid-afternoon.

Utility crews are out doing all they can to prevent power outages. Emergency planners are warning people to prepare.

DOT crews will watch the floating bridges closely during the wind. The 520 bridge will close if there are 50 mph winds for at least 15 minutes.

The I-90 bridge has a higher threshold – it closes after 60 mph sustained winds, and the Hood Canal bridge closes in 40 mph sustained winds.

The Coast Guard is also warning boaters to pay close attention to the weather forecasts and properly secure their boats while they're docked.

A high-surf advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday. High surf will affect beaches. Waves could be as high as 30 feet Thursday morning, producing beach erosion and rip currents. Debris and logs could be tossed onshore.

Yet another storm will move into western Washington on Friday for more rain. It may be a little breezy at times as well. Still another front will move in on Saturday for more rain.