A high wind warning goes into effect for the Chicago area Wednesday afternoon, and the city could see waves of up to 25 feet along the city's Lake Michigan coast.

Gusts up to 60 mph could lead to a replay of the high waves that knocked down runners and bikers last month along the lakefront (link). Chicago Police closed the lakefront path that day, and on Wednesday they again warned people to stay away.

Milwaukee, along Lake Michigan to Chicago's north, also is expected to see high winds and waves. By 7 a.m. CT, waves were splashing onto the lower portion of the path between North Avenue and Oak Street Beach in Chicago. The Weather Channel reported that today's winds could be strong enough to topple trees and power lines, resulting in some potential power outages. The winds and rain could also cause hazardous road conditions, the forecast said

A lakeshore flood warning goes into effect beginning at 3 p.m. CT, Chicago NBC station WMAQ reported. A wind advisory also goes into effect inland as northeast winds increase to 40 to 45 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Unseasonably cool temperatures will continue, with highs between 48 and 52.

Meteorologist Andy Avalos of WMAQ forecast that Wednesday night will be extremely windy, as well, with rain and lows between 43 and 48. Winds remain northerly at 40 to 45 mph.

Rain totals are projected between a half-inch to one-and-a-half inches, WMAQ forecast, though Chicago should dry out Friday and Saturday with sunshine returning and temperatures leveling out by the weekend.