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WEATHER Batten down the hatches: Wind and rain sweeps across the region Wind and rain sweeps across the region Comment By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 10, 2014 at 9:03 AM Updated Dec 10, 2014 at 6:11 PM By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 10, 2014 at 9:03 AM Updated Dec 10, 2014 at 6:11 PM » Social News Winds with speeds up to 40 mph with 60 mph gusts are expected to barrel through parts of the Rogue Valley through the afternoon hours today. That's a relatively mild breeze compared with predictions for the Oregon coast, where winds could hit 100 mph. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning until 1 p.m. today.  The area covered includes Ashland, Talent, Phoenix and Medford. Intense south to southwest breezes are expected.  Additionally, Central Point, Jacksonville, White City and Eagle Point are under a wind advisory during the same time frame. Those cities can expect to see wind speeds up to 35 mph with 45 mph gusts, according to a message issued by the Weather Service. "(The) strongest winds are expected in the southern portion of the Rogue Valley, especially near Talent and Ashland," a Weather Service statement reads. But those winds are nothing compared with what coastal communities are expecting. Along the Southern Oregon coast, high winds and a high surf warnings are in effect until 4 p.m. today. The National Weather Service says hurricane-force winds will combine with sea swells of over 25 feet to create waves of 30 feet or more. The high surf advisory extends from Reedsport south to Brookings. Sustained winds of 50 mph are hitting the coastal areas and the Weather Service said gusts could reach speeds of 100 mph over ridges and near headlands, especially Cape Blanco, just north of Port Orford. The sea level along the coast from Port Orford to Brookings is also expected to rise by as much as 2 feet, inundating some low-lying coastal areas. Wave watchers are warned to stay a safe distance from the water and to avoid standing on beach logs, which can be easily rolled by waves. Throughout the area, weather officials are urging extra caution for motorists on area roadways during the winds, including Interstate 5. High profile vehicles will be the most at risk. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and allow for extra space between vehicles. Area residents should also be prepared for power outages, officials said. Moderate to heavy rains are also expected for parts of Jackson County today, with about an inch expected to fall in Medford and 1.25 inches forecast for Ashland. Northern California is expected to get drenched, with anywhere from 4 to 6 inches expected to fall over parts of Siskiyou County by this afternoon.  The rain is expected to cause rapid rises in streams and rivers, with potential flash floods on burned areas across Southern Oregon. People, structures and roads located below steep slopes or at the bases of steep hillsides are at the highest risk, according to a release from the Oregon Department of Geology. Emergency preparations were under way across Northern California on Wednesday, with residents gathering sand bags, crews clearing storm drains and San Francisco school officials canceling classes for the first time since 9/11. As much as 8 inches of rain could fall on coastal mountains over a 24-hour period starting late Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. Ski resorts in the northern Sierra Nevada could get more than 2 feet of snow before the storm moves through Southern California and to the east with less strength through states including Nevada, Idaho, Arizona and New Mexico. Those states could get rain and snow, but nothing like what California is expected to experience, forecasters say. "It's a short amount of time for that amount of water," Weather Service forecaster Diana Henderson said. "We are anticipating some localized flooding, maybe some downed trees and downed power lines. It could have an effect on a wide range of people." The storm is expected to be one of the windiest and rainiest in five years and could also cause debris slides, especially in areas affected by this year's intense and widespread wildfires. Big waves are expected along the coast. Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected] . Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil . The Associated Press contributed to this report. By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 10, 2014 at 9:03 AM Updated Dec 10, 2014 at 6:11 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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