(Update 9:45 a.m.)
- MT-35 is CLOSED from milepost 2.8 to 6.
- Southbound lanes are blocked on US-93 north of Somers due to a semi blow over.
(Update 9:15 a.m.) Montana Department of Transportation reporting several new incidents.
- Tree down and blocking southbound lanes on US-93 near Ronan
- Tree blocking all lanes on MT-35 east of Polson.
- Power lines down blocking on lanes on US-2 west of Marion.
- Severe driving conditions on US-12 from Lolo to Lolo Pass due to downed trees.
(Update 9:08 a.m.) Hazardous conditions are wreaking havoc across the City of Missoula causing the Missoula Police Department to ask the community to only travel if absolutely necessary.
In a press release at 9:10 a.m., MPD stated that high winds have created dangerous conditions, including reduced vehicle control, blowing debris, and the potential for downed trees and power lines.
If you cannot avoid traveling right now, you're asked to:
- Reduce speed
- Be alert for debris in roadways
- Watch for downed trees, power lines, and damaged traffic signals
- Avoid parking near trees or unstable structures
Do not touch anything, including a tree, that may be in contact with power lines. If you see a downed power line, you're asked to call NorthWestern Energy at 888-467-2669.
For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency assistance, contact the Missoula Police Department at 406-552-6300.
(Update 9:03 a.m.) A MEANS alert for Missoula County for drivers to be cautious driving due to high winds, several hazards and extreme conditions.
(UPDATE 8:55 a.m.)
Frenchtown School District has cancelled school. Parents should pick up their student from the school to ensure they are supervised and safe as they transition back home. If parents are unable to pick students up, buses will run at 10:00 to return students home. Phones are also out at the South Campus.
(UPDATE: 8:28 a.m.) The storm is hitting Sanders County hard.
Just after 8 a.m., the Community Ambulance Service of W. Sanders Co. posted that power is out in parts of the area and that strong winds are creating extremely dangerous conditions.
Live power lines are across roads, there are reports of falling trees and debris, and some travel routes have become impassable.
Officials are telling people to not travel unless it's absolutely necessary. School in Noxon has been canceled.
Meanwhile in Mineral County, St. Regis Schools and the Superior School District have also canceled classes.
Due to fallen power lines, Superior Schools will not send the buses back out.
School officials are asking families to pick up their students Wednesday morning. If you're unable to do so, you're asked to call Logan Labbe 406-822-2285 to make accommodations.
(1st Report - 8:20 a.m.) The strong Pacific cold front that is moving through Washington has now arrived in Western Montana Wednesday morning.
Power outages have already been reported all across Western Montana including the Interstate 90 corridor from Lookout Pass to Alberton and in Northwest Montana, thousands of residents are without power in the Libby and surrounding areas. For updates on outages check Northwestern Energy Outage map and Flathead Electric Co-Op outage viewers.
There is also reports of road hazards. According to the Montana Department of Transportation a powerline is down on Highway 56 near Noxon. Several trees are also down across Highway 56 between Troy and Noxon.
Interstate 90 westbound lanes at mm 15, west of Superior, are blocked due to downed trees.
Click here for live map of road closures.
Stay with KPAX for updates on this storm throughout the day.
