Weather Service warning of winds up to 65 mph

The National Weather Service is predicting high winds and more rain in the next few days.

That could bring down trees that are already in saturated unfrozen soils from last week’s rain that brought more than 4 inches in some locations in Canyon neighborhoods and flood damage in Lincoln County. 

There is a high wind warning tonight and then an even greater chance of wind gusts over 55 to 65 mph Tuesday into Wednesday as a cold front blasts through, bringing even more rain and snow in higher terrain, according to meteorologist Jeff Kitsmiller. 

By late Wednesday the valleys will see .25 to .75 inches of rain, while the mountain could see 1 to 2 more inches, though it will transition to snow, which will be heavy at times. 

Columbia Falls could even see some snow, but Kitsmiller said the highest potential is for places like Essex. 

Later in the week the overall trend is a bit cooler weather, with snow, a transition to rain and then back to snow in the Thursday-Friday time frame.