Weather Alert in Montana
Winter Storm Warning issued March 11 at 9:21AM MDT until March 14 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AREAS AFFECTED: Butte/Blackfoot Region
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter weather impacts to isolated extreme winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches for Highway 12 over MacDonald Pass and Georgetown Lake and the higher terrain. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 6 inches at lower elevations. Winds gusts between 40 to 60 mph, with gusts of 60 to 80 mph at higher elevations. * WHERE...Butte, Highway 12 Garrison to Elliston, Georgetown Lake, MacDonald Pass, and Homestake Pass. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to noon MDT Saturday. * 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. 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. For EXTREME winter storm impacts, expect substantial disruptions to normal activities. Extremely dangerous or impossible traveling conditions. Travel in the impacted areas is not advised. Extensive and widespread closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. Life saving actions may be needed. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes, especially over higher passes. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The greatest concern for strong and damaging winds across lower elevations is focused along the Interstate 90 corridor between Garrison Junction and Anaconda. Periods of blizzard conditions will impact MacDonald Pass, the Georgetown Lake area, and the higher elevations Thursday morning.
INSTRUCTION: Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. 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.
Want more detail? Get the Complete 7 Day and Night Detailed Forecast!
Current U.S. National Radar--Current
The Current National Weather Radar is shown below with a UTC Time (subtract 5 hours from UTC to get Eastern Time).
National Weather Forecast--Current
The Current National Weather Forecast and National Weather Map are shown below.
National Weather Forecast for Tomorrow
Tomorrow National Weather Forecast and Tomorrow National Weather Map are show below.
North America Water Vapor (Moisture)
This map shows recent moisture content over North America. Bright and colored areas show high moisture (ie, clouds); brown indicates very little moisture present; black indicates no moisture.
Weather Topic: What are Stratus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Stratus Clouds
Next Topic: Wall Clouds
Stratus clouds are similar to altostratus clouds, but form at a
lower altitude and are identified by their fog-like appearance, lacking the
distinguishing features of most clouds.
Stratus clouds are wider than most clouds, and their base has a smooth, uniform
look which is lighter in color than a nimbostratus cloud.
The presence of a stratus cloud indicates the possibility of minor precipitation,
such as drizzle, but heavier precipitation does not typically arrive in the form
of a stratus cloud.
Next Topic: Wall Clouds
Weather Topic: What are Altocumulus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Altocumulus Clouds
Next Topic: Altostratus Clouds
Similar to cirrocumulus clouds, altocumulus clouds are
characterized by cloud patches. They are distinguished by larger cloudlets
than cirrocumulus clouds but are still smaller than stratocumulus clouds.
Altocumulus clouds most commonly form in middle altitudes (between 2 and 5 km)
and may resemble, at times, the shape of a flying saucer.
These uncommon formations, called altocumulus lenticularis, are created by uplift
in the atmosphere and are most often seen in close proximity to mountains.
Next Topic: Altostratus Clouds
Current conditions powered by WeatherAPI.com