Montana Idaho Border To Get Slammed This Weekend: 40+ MPH Winds And Snow
Over a foot of snow along with 60+ MPH winds are possible along the southern Montana Idaho border through Saturday morning. Dangerous driving conditions will occur with the mountain passes getting the brunt of this storm.
Travel through southwest Montana down into Idaho should be taken very seriously for the next couple of days, as whiteout conditions will be common. Several inches of snow is expected in the valleys, with a foot or more in the higher elevations. Strong winds are expected throughout several counties.
Winter Storm Warnings and High Wind Warnings are in place for several counties. Please consider not traveling during this period if you don't need to. According to the National Weather Service:
- WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 5 AM SATURDAY.
- WHAT...Heavy snow is expected.
- Total snow accumulations 8 and 16 inches along the Idaho border with 3 to 7 inches further north.
- Winds gusting as high 45 mph with gusts to 65 mph over ridgetops.
- WHERE...Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains and Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains.
- HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT MST FRIDAY NIGHT.
- WHAT...South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected
- WHERE...The Madison and Beaverhead River Valleys.
- WHEN...From Midnight Thursday to 5 AM Saturday.
- IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult and tire chains may be required for some vehicles.
- Those in the backcountry should ensure they are prepared for dangerous conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
- ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The combination of gusty winds and falling snow will create significant blowing and drifting snow for locations along interstate 15 from Monida Pass to Lima and across Raynolds and Targhee passes.
- Yellowstone Park may receive up to 20 inches of fresh snow from this storm system, along with gusty winds.
As always, make sure your vehicle emergency kit is fully stocked. Many Montanans have needed theirs this year. Check your wipers, wiper fluid, headlights, and your tires. In this kind of storm, your life may depend on it. Be careful out there.