Winter Storm Warning, accumulating snow to impact travel

WINTER STORM WARNING from 11 PM this evening until 11 AM Sunday for the Lower Clark Fork Region. Heavy snow is expected above 4000 feet. The likelihood of 10 to 18 inches of snow is greater than 90 percent. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches below 4000 feet across valley areas. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. The heaviest snow is expected Sunday morning, with snowfall rates around one inch per hour. Snowfall rates will decrease Sunday afternoon as temperatures warm near freezing.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from 4AM Sunday to 10AM Monday for the Clearwater Mountains. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with isolated higher amounts.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from 11PM tonight to 11AM Monday for the Kootenai/Cabinet Region. Snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches will be possible in Libby, Eureka, and Whitefish. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet across the Cabinet Mountains, with 6 to 12 inches across the Purcell Mountains. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from 11PM tonight to 11AM Monday for the West Glacier Region. Snow accumulations 2 to 5 inches for valley areas. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches above 5,000 feet across the Whitefish and Swan Ranges and in Glacier Park. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from 5AM Sunday to 11AM Monday for the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated higher amounts possible.

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Lows tonight fall into the high teens to mid 20s.

We’re seeing a trough bringing in widespread precipitation across the Northern Rockies through Monday. We’re expecting to see heavy snowfall associated with this along I-90 over Lookout Pass. We could see around 1 inch of snow per hour, creating hazardous travel conditions through Sunday morning.

A warm front tomorrow causes snow levels to rise above 4,500 ft, especially south of I-90. However, Lookout, Lolo, Marias, and Lost Trail Passes will continue to see snow impacts, but the intensity will decrease.

Highs will be in the low to mid 40s.

Sunday night brings in a cold front that will cause snow levels to quickly drop to around 2,000 ft by Monday morning. This will bring winter driving conditions back into the mountain passes. You may possibly see bursts of heavy snow, gusty winds, and poor visibility.

Southwestern Montana near Anaconda and Butte also has a chance of seeing snow squalls during this time.

Snow showers continue through Monday above 2,000 ft, bringing valley locations such as the Flathead Valley through the Bitterroot to see accumulations from a trace to two inches of snow. Moderate snow continues to impact mountain areas, including Lookout and Lolo Passes.