GREAT FALLS — The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Blizzard Warning for ground-blizzard conditions for areas along and just east of the northern Rocky Mountain Front. Areas affected include Logan Pass, Marias Pass, Browning, and Heart Butte.
The Blizzard Warning goes into effect at 9 p.m. on Saturday and runs through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3rd.
Although there are no predictions for new snow, the current amount of snow on the ground will be whipped up by gusty winds, which the NWS said will reach as high as 60 miles per hour, which is expected to create ground blizzard conditions. The blowing snow will likely significantly reduce visibility, and strong winds could also cause tree damage.
Impacts from this expected ground blizzard include significant "roadway obstruction, near-zero visibility at times, limited access to livestock, and significant disruption to everyday tasks and routines." The NWS warns that some people may be stuck in their homes for at least a day, and possibly longer. Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
In addtion, the NWS issued a Winter Storm Watch for potential ground blizzard conditions for eastern Glacier County and the Southern Rocky Mountain Front from Sunday evening through Monday night. To the east over the remainder of the plains, there is also the potential for blowing and drifting snow. At the very least, all locations east of the Rocky Mountain Front should prepare for at least some blowing and drifting of snow at times through the early week period, especially Monday.
The Glacier County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook on Saturday to warn people about the weather, and added some humor:
- Okay...Who remembers that Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day? He wakes up and relives the same day over and over again. That’s what Mother Nature is doing to the good people of Glacier County. We have another blizzard coming in. This one has 60 MPH winds with it. Talk about a kick right to the face eh? It goes without saying...stock up on groceries. Get some firewood. Maybe a backlog of new memes you haven’t read yet? It’s gonna be a long one. And, for the love of god....STAY OFF THE DAMN ROADS DURING THE BLIZZARD!!!! PLEASE!!
We will keep you updated on weather conditions.
WINTER WEATHER RESOURCES:
- STORMTracker Weather page
- Live interactive radar
- STORMTracker on Facebook
- Montana webcams
- Road Conditions
