The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for Loudoun County to begin at midnight Monday as Hurricane Sandy begins its trek into the area. The warning should expire at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

A flood watch will also go into effect for Loudoun County starting late tonight and extending through Tuesday evening.

As of 2:30 p.m. Sunday residents in eastern Loudoun were seeing a light drizzle and some wind off the storm.

Rain is expected to increase for the entire county after 5 p.m. Sunday with winds gusting at 15 mph.

By Sunday night, winds will increase to 14 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Between a quarter and a half-inch of rain is possible.

On Monday, the National Weather Service said rain will be heavy at times, with as must as 1 to 2 inches falling during the day. An additional 2 to 3 inches of rain is expected on Monday night with winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

Another inch of rain is possible on Tuesday, with wind gusts continuing at up to 50 mph.

The worst of the storm is supposed to leave Loudoun by Tuesday night.

For more coverage, see: “Frankenstorm” to bring flooding, wind and some snow to higher elevations