MISSOULA — As we head into the holiday season, there are several alerts in effect across Montana.
In the Flathead and Mission Valleys, a High Wind Warning is in effect until 11PM on Wednesday. Widespread power outages have been reported in the area as well.
Here are some peak gust reports from around the Northern Rockies. Low elevation winds have been strongest in Flathead County with power outages noted from Swan Lake to Columbia Falls. #mtwx #idwxhttps://t.co/DbWL19ieN3
— NWS Missoula (@NWSMissoula) November 27, 2019
According to the National Weather Service, travel will be dangerous due to blowing snow, reduced visibility, and drifting snow blocking roadways. Weather officials also expect the roads to be icy as temperatures will drop.
For North Central Montana a Blizzard Warning is in place for areas along the Rocky Mountain Front. Severe driving conditions are reported along Highway 89 and Rogers Pass is snow covered. Only emergency travel has been advised for Highway 200 east of Lincoln near the pass.
SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS on US-287 THE JCT WITH MT-200 (BOWMANS CORNER) TO AUGUSTA from milepost 20.1 to ... https://t.co/rsDLb2uCR4
— MDT Road Report (@mdtroadreport) November 27, 2019
As for Missoula, roads are covered in black ice along Interstate 90 just east of Clinton and along Highway 200 near Potomac.
The Montana Highway Patrol reports several crashes in Western Montana including many along Interstate 90 in Mineral County. So far, there have been no reports of serious injuries.
The Northern Rocky Mountain Front has the potential to receive well over a foot of snow through Friday. Heavier and more widespread snow is likely through the remainder of the week. Great Falls and Central Montana are expected to pick up 5 to 8 inches through Friday with Helena receiving 3 to 5 inches.
We will keep you up-to-date on-air and online as the storm system moves through.
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