A major wind event, with possible historic impacts is expected to roar through northern Idaho and western Montana Tuesday night through Wednesday. 

Meteorologist Leanne Allegretto with the National Weather Service in Missoula said the system has the capacity to cause major damage to property around the area.

"The winds will start Tuesday, but it's Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning that is the time period about which we're most concerned," Allegretto said. "I'm actually more concerned about the Bitterroot Valley because computer models are showing a potential mountain wave that could develop in the Bitterroot Valley, and that just spells damaging winds."

Allegretto said damaging winds range from 50 to 60 miles per hour.

"These gusts could be prolonged, so from Tuesday night through Wednesday morning," she said. "Anytime winds blow for that long, you run the risk of downed trees, downed power lines across the roads and people's property. That's why we can't stress enough how impactful these winds may be. Back country activities such as hunting could be affected, as well by these prolonged damaging winds. High profile vehicles such as semi trucks will be most susceptible in these areas."

Allegretto said drivers who will be traveling in areas impacted by the high winds should use extreme caution through Wednesday.

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