Dispatch has been sounding off early this morning across the County with reports of multiple down trees from Polson to Ronan.  

According to the National Weather Service, the Mission Valley is under a high wind warning from 2 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Southwest winds are 25 to 35 miles per hour with expected guests up to 65 miles per hour.  

The City of Polson Fire Department responded to a report of a down tree on a house on Second Street West at around 8 a.m. Nearby on Seventh another down tree was also on a house.  

According to PFD lieutenant Adam Reed, power lines were knocked out by the large tree, and they are working on securing those lines with Mission Valley Power.  

Once the lines are secure, Reed said they will make sure there is no structural damage to the home.  

Dispatch has reported a tree down on Highway 93 in Ronan, a large pine tree down across Highways 35 blocking both lanes with power lines involved, and trees reported down in Pablo and Finley Point. Multiple power outages have been reported across the valley.  

Polson Rural Fire stated on their Facebook that 35 is closed at Fulkerson Corner due to this large tree.  

Reed said they expect to stay busy today because the high winds are expected to surge at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. today. Reed explained it is best to stay inside today as tree limbs will be “flying all over the place.”  

The Lake County Office of Emergency Management issued a high wind and travel advisory. The advisory stated that high winds have caused multiple down trees to block areas of Highway 93, 35 and 83. Emergency crews are working to remove the blockages, but some roads are still blocked. The advisory requested that people not travel and stay clear of affected areas. Calls are being handled in a priority manner until the high winds stop.  

    Mission Valley Power on scene at Second Street West in Polson to secure power lines. (Emily Messer/Leader)