Intense winds will hit the majority of Montana starting late Wednesday night followed closely by snow lasting through Sunday.
"This storm system, it comes in as a warm front, and then it comes back down as a cold front," Meteorologist Brad Mickelson says. "There's going to be multiple periods and waves of snow."
High sustained winds will be seen across the state. Western Montana forecasters focused concerns on Flathead and Lincoln Counties, where widespread wind gusts will reach over 60 mph.
East of Glacier National Park and along the Rocky Mountain Front, winds could surge from 75 to 90 mph. Officials advised Montanans to be prepared for possible damage to trees, power lines, fences and roofs.
Colder air and precipitation moving southward will likely bring snow and ice onto roadways. High elevation areas may see up to five feet of snow, impacting travel over Marias, Lolo and Lost Trail passes. Officials warned of possible road closures along highways and interstates.
Winter storm warnings are posted in a line from Sula in southwest Montana to Polebridge northwest of Columbia Falls. Blizzard conditions are likely through Thursday morning on Highway 2 east of West Glacier to Marias Pass and in backcountry areas. According to forecasters, most valleys, even in northwest Montana, won’t see much snow, but a rain/snow mix is almost guaranteed.
"We just want to make sure that everybody is aware, have alternative travel plans ready, and make sure that everybody is keeping a close watch on the latest information coming out, especially the Montana DOT maps of road conditions," Mickelson says.
Mickelson advises people to check their local weather service forecast frequently for up-to-date advisories.
Closures:
The following highway closures are in effect as of 1 p.m. on March 12th :
- 0.50 mile west of Junction Interstate 90 Business Route-Livingston-Exit 330 to 0.50 mile west of Junction Interstate 90 Business Route-Livingston-Exit 337 - road closed due to an event until further notice;
- 0.25 mile east of Junction Interstate 90 Business Route-Big Timber-Exit 367 to 0.50 mile west of Junction Interstate 90 Business Route-Livingston-Exit 337 - road closed due to an event eastbound until further notice.
Multiple schools across western Montana are closed Thursday due to the storm.
Closures include all schools across the Flathead Valley, Thompson Falls Public Schools, and the Butte School District and Butte Central Catholic Schools.
The Blackfeet Community College in Browning posted on Facebook the school will be closed for the remainder of the week.
You can check your local school district for other school closures.
MTPR's Edward F. O'Brien contributed to this report.
