Weather Alert in Montana
Winter Storm Watch issued March 9 at 12:35PM MDT until March 14 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AREAS AFFECTED: West Glacier Region
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow possible. There is a chance of major winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 3 to 8 inches in valleys, with 1 to 3 feet of snow in the mountains and backcountry elevations. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph in the lower elevations, with gusts of 60 to 80 mph in the backcountry. * WHERE...Essex, Bad Rock Canyon, Glacier National Park, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge. * WHEN...From Wednesday evening through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening on US Highway 2 near Marias Pass. For MAJOR winter weather impacts, expect considerable disruptions to normal activities. Dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Avoid travel in the impacted areas if possible. Widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Blizzard like conditions are a concern for US Highway 2 east of Essex to Marias Pass Wednesday night through Thursday morning from heavy snow rates and strong wind gusts in excess of 40 mph. Snow levels will be rising Wednesday into early Thursday morning, reaching as high as 4,000 to 4,500 feet.
INSTRUCTION: Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded. Do not touch downed lines and report any power outages to your electric company. Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.
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Weather Topic: What is Freezing Rain?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Freezing Rain
Next Topic: Graupel
Freezing rain is a condition where precipitation which has fallen in the form of
water droplets reaches temperatures which are below freezing and freezes upon
coming into contact
with surface objects. The result of this precipitation is a glaze of ice which
can be damaging to plants and man-made structures. A severe onset of freezing
rain which results in a very thick glaze of ice is known as an ice storm.
Next Topic: Graupel
Weather Topic: What is Hail?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Hail
Next Topic: Hole Punch Clouds
Hail is a form of precipitation which is recognized by large solid balls or
clumps of ice. Hail is created by thunderstorm clouds with strong updrafts of wind.
As the hailstones remain in the updraft, ice is deposited onto them until their
weight becomes heavy enough for them to fall to the earth's surface.
Hail storms can cause significant damage to crops, aircrafts, and man-made structures,
despite the fact that the duration is usually less than ten minutes.
Next Topic: Hole Punch Clouds
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