Damaging winds, snow, freezing rain expected Wednesday

Batten down the hatches, and the Christmas decorations, Kalispell.

A fast-moving weather disturbance is expected to blast Northwest Montana with strong wind, snow and freezing rain beginning Wednesday into Thursday.

The National Weather Service in Missoula is warning of westerly winds approaching 60 mph across the area between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Residents should expect broken tree limbs and damage to power lines in Lincoln and Flathead counties.

The winds will be strong enough to potentially pull down or damage holiday decorations and other loose items. High-profile vehicles should anticipate difficult travel on U.S. 93 due to crosswinds.

Snow will be an issue east of U.S. 93 beginning Wednesday at 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. Up to 3 inches is possible along U.S. 2 east of West Glacier, with more on Marias Pass south of Glacier National Park.

"Forecast models show a 70-80% chance of 6 inches or more of snow accumulating above 5,000 feet in Northwest Montana," the Weather Service noted in its forecast discussion Tuesday.

That includes the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort, where 6-14 inches of fresh powder is possible by Wednesday night.

The snow combined with the wind will create periods of blowing snow in the afternoon.

Lower elevations of Northwest Montana could be dealing with freezing rain as snow levels rise to between 4,000 and 5,000 feet during the day. High temperatures will reach the low 40s in the Flathead Valley on Wednesday.

Things settled down headed into Christmas week.

"Looking ahead, a ridge of high pressure is expected to build over the Northern Rockies Thursday and Friday, increasing the potential for fog and low stratus clouds each day," the forecast stated. "About 65% of forecast models suggest the ridge will persist into Christmas Eve."