Driving conditions in Western Montana are the worst they’ve been all year. That’s according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Luke Robinson.
“We haven't seen driving conditions like this, probably since last year, so this is pretty bad.”
Robinson says a winter storm warning remains in effect for western Montana through 11:00 a.m. Tuesday.
Montana Department of Transportation crews cleared a wreck involving a semi from Highway 200 near Bonner earlier today.
MDT Operations Supervisor Brandi Hamilton says conditions near Great Falls are also particularly hazardous this evening. But as much as a layer of ice is causing havoc for travelers, Hamilton says very poor visibility is just as dangerous. Some drivers are rear-ending snowplows as they try to clear the roads.
"We've been averaging about two plows hit every day. So use caution around those, give them room to work," Hamilton says.
Some of those crashes resulted in injuries and Hamilton urges drivers to slow down and check road conditions before leaving
"Take your cruise control off, travel with your headlights on, and slow down for conditions. We just forget, I think, sometimes."
The weather service’s Robinson is predicting improved travel conditions in Western Montana beginning Wednesday.
"It'll actually warm up above freezing in many areas around Western Montana, and it should be able to dry out and get some of this snow off the roads," Robinson said.