Blustery weather forecast tonight

A damaging wind event is expected this evening through Wednesday morning across Western Montana.

“Wind gusts in excess of 50 mph could result in power outages, tree damage and hazardous cross winds for higher-profile vehicles,” according to warnings issued Monday by the National Weather Service.

The fiercest winds are expected in the Bitterroot Valley and the Interstate 90 corridor from Deer Lodge to Butte, where gusts could be in the 60 mph range. Snow and blowing snow above 5,500 feet will be added dangers for those traveling over mountain passes or in the backcountry.

At higher elevations, wind gusts to 70 mph or more are likely, according to the Weather Service.

The Marias Pass area is expected to receive snow and high winds tonight.

The forecast for Essex calls for rain and snow showers turning to snow after 11 p.m. today. Southwest winds of 30 to 38 mph, gusting to 55 mph, are likely to create widespread blowing snow and driving challenges tonight.

In the Flathead Valley, snow this morning is expected to turn to rain and the Kalispell high temperature is expected to reach 47 degrees. Tonight, winds are expected to increase to the 30 mph range with gusts as high as 49 mph.

Wind on Wednesday is forecast to be 14 mph with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Little or no snow accumulation is predicted in the valley.

The storm is expected to deliver more snow — 6 to 11 inches — at higher elevations such as the summit of Big Mountain.

Southwest winds at the summit are predicted to be 45 to 55 mph, decreasing to 33 to 43 mph after midnight today. Winds could gust as high as 75 mph, according to the Weather Service.