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 Cirrus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Cirrus Clouds
Next Topic: Condensation
Cirrus clouds are high-level clouds that occur above 20,000 feet
and are composed mainly of ice crystals.
They are thin and wispy in appearance.
What do they indicate?
They are often the first sign of an approaching storm.
Next Topic: Condensation
Weather Topic: What are Contrails?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Contrails
Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds
A contrail is an artificial cloud, created by the passing of an
aircraft.
Contrails form because water vapor in the exhaust of aircraft engines is suspended
in the air under certain temperatures and humidity conditions. These contrails
are called exhaust contrails.
Another type of contrail can form due to a temporary reduction in air pressure
moving over the plane's surface, causing condensation.
These are called aerodynamic contrails.
When you can see your breath on a cold day, it is also because of condensation.
The reason contrails last longer than the condensation from your breath is
because the water in contrails freezes into ice particles.
Next Topic: Cumulonimbus Clouds
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