Lake wind advisory in effect Saturday

A Lake Wind Advisory began at noon today and will extend to 9 p.m. tonight, as forecasters project a strong cold frontal passage across western Montana this afternoon and evening will create gusty winds and increased wave activity.

The National Weather Service in Missoula expects 20 to 30-mile per hour winds with gusts up to 35-miles-per hour, particularly during the late afternoon.

Weather experts believe wave heights will be two- to three-feet with locally higher waves of four feet along the eastern and northeastern portions of the Lake.

Locations impacted include Flathead Lake, Flathead Valley, Mission Valley and Polson.

The National Weather Service advises the public to take precautions in anticipation of the projected weather event.

A Lake Wind Advisory indicate that winds will cause rough chop making small boats especially vulnerable to capsizing.

Wave forecasts are representative of the mid-lake waters and downwind shores. Experts warn that wave heights might be significantly less on upwind shores.

An air-quality alert remains in effect until further notice.