The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 9-a.m. to 5-p.m. today for Pottawattamie, Montgomery, Mills, Monona, Shelby, Fremont and Page Counties, and from 10-a.m. to 6-p.m. today for Cass and other area Counties.

* TIMING…Winds will strengthen by late morning and persist through the afternoon.

* WINDS…Northwest winds should reach sustained speeds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph likely.

* IMPACTS…Winds of this magnitude may blow loose objects such as Christmas decorations and make travel for high profile vehicles difficult. Fire weather conditions will also be elevated in areas that do not receive sufficient precipitation. Any fires may spread quickly.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Wind Advisory means that sustained winds of 30 mph or wind gusts of 45 mph or greater are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.