Arctic front and strong winds to hit Flathead

The National Weather Service in Missoula forecasts a deep arctic air mass will push into Western Montana on Friday night, with enhanced precipitation along the leading edge of the arctic front.

“Not only will the precipitation be more intense, but also snow levels are expected to drop to valley floors,” NWS said.

Snow accumulations are expected to be less than an inch in the valleys and 2-4 inches in the mountains. Some locations across Western Montana could experience higher snow amounts if the arctic front slows or stalls over the region, NWS said.

“The bigger impact is anticipated to be wet and slushy roads becoming icy as temperatures steadily drop during the day Saturday and drop into the single digits by Sunday morning,” NWS said. “The precipitation will quickly diminish behind the arctic front as drier air is being ushered into the area.”

Strong and gusty easterly winds also are forecasted, especially on U.S. 2 from Marias Pass to Columbia Falls, Highway 200 from Lincoln to Bonner, Highway 12 from MacDonald Pass to Garrison Junction, and I-90 from Garrison Junction to Missoula.

“Wind gusts up to 40 mph at Bad Rock and Hellgate canyons are possible later tonight into Saturday morning,” NWS said.

Wind chills approaching minus 10 to minus 20 are forecasted for Sunday morning for the valleys along the Continental Divide.

“Another area of concern will be over Flathead Lake near Yellow Bay,” NWS said. “Models are indicating a downsloping wind event near the middle part of the lake. Wind will decrease in intensity during Saturday night, but the remaining wind along with very cold temperatures will create hazardous wind chill conditions by Sunday morning.”