A series of storms could bring high winds and potential flooding to the Pittsburgh area today,… A series of storms could bring high winds and flooding to the Pittsburgh area today, according to the National Weather Service.

The organization issued a high wind advisory and flood watch starting early this morning.

Wind gusts could exceed 45 miles per hour and widespread rain could cause rivers and streams to rise and possibly flood low lying areas, according to the alert.

Following the alert, National Weather Service meteorologist Charlie Woodrum said that wind gusts exceeding 50 miles per hour could make driving difficult, and some tree branches might break during the storm.

The wind advisory extends until noon.

The wind likely won’t be able to seriously damage trees or cause large power outages, according to Woodrum.

He predicted that the only local outages would be caused by downed tree branches.

Woodrum also recommended that residents move or secure loose outdoor items around their homes.

Despite the issuing of a flood watch, the heavy and widespread rain likely won’t cause flooding on streets beyond small puddles, Woodrum said.

More information can be found at www.weather.gov/pittsburgh.