Northern Virginia will miss the snow from the storm pounding the Midwest but the area will see rain Thursday night and winds up to 40 mph later on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The chances for rain are at 100 percent Thursday night with the area expected to see about a half-inch of rain. Friday morning could be a bit soggy as the first day of winter officially begins at 6:12 a.m. It's the earliest winter since 1896, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

You might want to make sure any outdoor holiday decorations are secured before the winds pick up. The Capital Weather Gang says to be on the lookout for "flying Santas." 

With the blustery winds and temperatures in the 30s, the wind chill will be in the 20s.