National Weather Service issues wind and freeze warnings

The National Weather Service in Missoula issued both freeze and wind warnings for the Flathead and Mission Valleys during the next 48 hours.

A high wind advisory will be in effect from noon to 9 p.m. today and a freeze warning will be in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 to 9 a.m., Friday.

Forecasters believe tonight’s wind activity will increase will intensify from the north and northeast this afternoon and evening across the Flathead and Mission valleys.

The strongest winds will be near the mouth of Backrock Canyon, which includes Columbia Falls.

Forecasters warn sudden gusts may cause loose objects to be damaged or transported if not tied down. Rough water on Flathead Lake may become “perilous” for small watercraft, producing between two and four-foot waves.

Winds are expected to be sustained at between 20 and 30 miles per hour and gust up to 40 MPH. Near Badrock Canyon, wind gusts are expected to be near 50 MPH.

The National Weather Service freeze warning will be in effect from midnight Thursday, Sept. 11, until 9 a.m., Friday, Sept. 12.

Forecasters said temperatures will “plummet” below freezing across “all” of Western Montana and portions of Central Idaho. Weather watchers expect temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees in the valleys.