The National Weather Service issued a “High Wind Watch” advisory Thursday afternoon (April 1), and unlike some of our earlier stories, this one’s no joke – expect wind speeds between 35 and 55 MPH beginning around 10am Friday, April 2nd.

This means that there could be downed trees, power outages, road hazards, and of course, messy hair aplenty.

It also means snow and high winds in the mountains, along with treacherous pass conditions, so be careful if you’re traveling anywhere for Easter weekend.

Here’s the language the weatherfolk are using:

…High wind watch remains in effect for the greater Puget Sound region…east Puget Sound lowlands…and the lower Chehalis valley from Friday morning through Friday afternoon…

A high wind watch remains in effect from Friday morning through friday afternoon. * very strong…possibly damaging…south winds may develop along and behind a cold front on Friday…over portions of interior Western Washington.

There is still some uncertainty as to the exact track and depth of the associated surface low moving near or just north of washington. At this time…the most likely scenario would generate south winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

However…if the surface low deepens more than expected…wind speeds could reach close to high wind criteria. Therefore the high wind watch remains in effect until details are more certain. * the very strong winds could result in some power outages across portions of western washington friday afternoon and evening due to power lines being damaged by tree limbs. Some of the regions trees have begun to leaf out already…which could add to the potential for wind damage to occur. Rain soaked ground could allow trees to easily topple or become uprooted.

Precautionary/preparedness actions… A high wind watch means conditions are favorable for damaging winds. High winds can topple trees…down power lines…and damage some structures.

• Confidence is high that strong winds and heavy snow will affect the mountains.
• Confidence is high that damaging winds will affect the Washington Coast and North Interior
• Confidence is only moderate that damaging winds will affect the Central Puget Sound area

A strong spring storm system will develop offshore and rapidly move through Western Washington Friday

• Strong and damaging winds are expected, especially along the coast and in the northern interior of Western Washington
• Trees have begun to leaf out, so there is a greater likelihood of downed limbs and trees
• Heavy mountain snow of 1 to 3 feet is expected in the Cascades and Olympics above 3000 feet.
• Increased avalanche hazards in the Cascades and Olympics
• Heavy rainfall at lower elevations of the Southern Olympics will cause rises on the Skokomish river, though flooding is not expected at this time. Other rivers will not flood.

Bulk of Puget Sound area and Southwest Interior: S to SW 35 (with) Gusts of 55 mph beginning 10 AM PDT

For the latest updates, check out the National Weather Service’s Seattle-area website here.

Intrepid Reporter/Sales & Promotions Diva Janet Grella had a random encounter Thursday night with a TV Producer who was scouting a nearby beach for a production he’s working on.

Turns out that the production is all about sharks.

That live in Puget Sound.

About 10 miles from the heart of the Dub-C.

Big, Six-Gill Sharks (these ain’t Dogfish!) that grow up to 18 feet, as seen in this video:

The TV Producer, Vince Patton, who works for Oregon Public Broadcasting, explained the production via email:

The animal: The 6 Gill Shark. (Check Wikipedia for details. Their summary is accurate as I read it).

The Seattle Aquarium has an exhibit specifically on 6 Gill Sharks here.

Our show is “Oregon Field Guide” and we are shooting a story for OFG’s upcoming 20th anniversary season which begins in October. This story could run anytime between October and next spring.

The folks who sell Diving Tours with the Sharks on the boat you may see in the area are here.

The tours move around, depending on where they find the sharks hanging out. This year, it’s right near Des Moines. Dives happen at night. Yes, from 10pm to 5am. They have lots of lights set up on the shark cage where the divers go.

The 6 Gills have made the news in the Seattle area a few times since the late 90′s, but overall most of the public don’t know they’re here. They’re not aggressive to humans and there’s never been any human/shark incidents here.

So, next time you’re swimming in Puget Sound (ya right, at temps around 55 degrees! ha), and you hear a low, deep bass “da-duhm…” music sting, be sure to look closely, as you may see this friendly fella: