Schools closed; emergency travel only; U.S. 2 blocked at West Glacier

Icy highways and blowing snow on Monday morning have led to a winter driving emergency across Northwest Montana.

The Montana Department of Transportation issued the following warning:

“Severe driving conditions have been reported for the Columbia Falls area, and U.S. 2 is closed at West Glacier due to drifting making the highway impassable. Crews are working to clear the drifts so the highway can be reopened. However, officials have declared Level 4 avalanche warning, meaning avalanches are very likely.”

U.S. 2 is closed the entire distance from West Glacier to East Glacier. According to the department’s website, the road was closed after snowdrifts blocked the highway near mile marker 180. Crews are currently working to clear the lanes.

Due to the snow conditions, schools are closed throughout the region. Many districts issued the closure on Sunday night. Kalispell Public Schools made their closure official this morning after 5 a.m.

Because of the emergency conditions, Meals on Wheels will be unable to deliver meals in Flathead County, according to director J.R. Isles.

The Transportation Department issued a “severe driving” warning for U.S. 2 from West Glacier to the junction with Montana 40, west of Columbia Falls, along with Montana 206 from Woody’s gas station north to Columbia Falls. The designation is the last step before closing the road, and officials are urging motorists to avoid these areas except for emergency travel.

On U.S. west of Kalispell, freezing rain and icy roads are reported from Happy’s Inn to McGregor Lake Resort causing severe driving conditions.

Elsewhere, freezing rain and icy roads in the Hot Springs area have caused multiple slide-off accidents.

Check back for updates throughout the day.