A potent storm system will bring the potential for strong winds to all of Alabama starting later this afternoon.

Winds could be strong enough to take down tree limbs and knock out power statewide, according to the National Weather Service.

It could also make driving difficult for those with high-profile vehicles.

The difference in air pressure between the strong storm system approaching from the west and an area of high pressure to the east of Alabama will generate what are called gradient winds, which are not related to storms.

Winds along the coast are expected to be the strongest, and a rarely-used high wind warning will go into effect for parts of Mobile and Baldwin counties later today.

But the rest of the state will see strong winds as well. They could gust as high as 50 mph all the way into north Alabama through Tuesday, according to the weather service.

The winds will be strong overnight and into the day on Tuesday before calming Tuesday night, according to forecasters.

Here’s a look at the wind warnings and advisories for Alabama:

SOUTH ALABAMA

* High wind warning for central and coast Mobile and Baldwin counties from 4 p.m. Monday until 9 a.m. Tuesday. Wind advisory for those same areas from 9 a.m. Tuesday until 6 p.m.

Winds are expected to be sustained 25-35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph through Tuesday morning. Winds after that are expected to be 15-25 mph with gusts to 40 mph.

* Wind advisory from 4 p.m. Monday until 6 p.m. Tuesday for Choctaw, Washington, Clarke, Wilcox, Monroe, Conecuh, Butler, Crenshaw, Escambia, Covington and inland Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The weather service said south winds are expected to be 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* Wind advisory from 8 p.m. CST Monday until noon Tuesday for Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties in southeast Alabama.

Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected in those areas.

CENTRAL ALABAMA

* Wind advisory for all of central Alabama from 3 p.m. Monday until 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The weather service said sustained winds 15 to 25 mph and gusts of 40 to 45 mph are possible tonight and into Tuesday morning.

NORTH ALABAMA

* Wind advisory for all of north Alabama from 3 p.m. Monday until 12 a.m. Wednesday. South winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected.

Winds could remain elevated through the day on Tuesday before beginning to subside Tuesday night, forecasters said.