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 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
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