MISSOULA — To kick off this new month, mother nature is bringing a strong winter storm for the Northern Rockies. For the most part, this storm will heavily impact mountain ranges and mountain passes.
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the areas of most concern from 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. Saturday or Sunday.
Lower Clark Fork Region
Heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 10" to 15" from Lookout Pass to Taft and 4" to 8" to Haugan. Lower elevations can expect 2" to 4", with a mix of freezing rain. Winds will be gusting as high as 35 mph. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.
Kellogg, Osburn, Lookout Pass, Wallace, Pinehurst, Fernwood, St. Maries, Fourth of July Pass, Dobson Pass, and Mullan
Heavy is snow expected. Total snow accumulation of 1' to 2' in the mountains and 4" to 8" in the valleys. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute If you have travel planned for this weekend over either Lookout or Lolo Pass, consider finding alternate ways to reach your destination.
Valleys will not be excluded from the winter weather though. Most locations should expect on-and-off snow showers with slick spots on roadways at times.
The snow looks to intensify on Saturday before transitioning Sunday into more of a wintry mix. Check road conditions on both Saturday and Sunday, as driving conditions will likely be changing throughout each day.
Snow will help clear out current inversions and raise temperatures going into next week. Expect 30s to continue through the weekend with 40s by Tuesday.
Despite this system possibly causing some problems on roadways, some snow would be highly beneficial to the region right now.
Take the precautions needed to be safe this weekend and let it snow!
