Wind Advisory, Heavy Rains Tonight (POLL)

It's time to secure those outdoor holiday decorations.

With strong southernly winds and rain storms expected later this evening, the National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Branford  and much of the shoreline for tonight.

The advisory — which goes into effect at 6 p.m. and runs through to early tomorrow morning at 1 a.m. — warns of sustained winds from 20 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts of 55 mph.

"Small tree limbs may be downed causing isolated power outages," the meteorologists reported in their advisory. "Residents are urged to secure or bring indoors any loose outdoor objects."

The weather service also warned motorists to use extra caution when driving tonight, as "winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

In addition, the storm system expected to move through  tonight will also bring with it heavy rains and even the chance for a strong thunderstorm or two tonight.

The rain and wind has already begun to interrupt holiday travel in the northeast corridor, with several airports already reporting delays and more expected in the tri-state region tonight.

Weather will improve for tomorrow, it is expected to be breezy with sunny skies and a high of about 44 degrees.