The rain will begin a bit later this morning as it arrives from the west and southwest. Gusty southerly winds ahead of the storm will cause high tides to be 1 to 2 feet above normal on the Bay through tonight. Up to one inch will fall before it ends tonight. A strong cold front will cross our area later tonight. Behind the front, we expect strong westerly winds to increase during the day tomorrow. Wind speeds of 15-25 mph will be consistent with wind gusts increasing to 40 mph at times during the day. Partly cloudy and quiet weather is expected from Thursday through Saturday. Partly cloudy skies with a chance of showers are mentioned in our New Years Day forecast.