Winter is here, travel will be affected by snow and ice this week

A brief break in winter weather is expected this morning, but a winter storm will begin to impact the region this afternoon and evening.

Moderate to heavy snowfall will occur at higher elevations. Travel disruptions due to snow and blowing snow are to be expected. By Tuesday evening, snow accumulations on Lookout, Marias and Lolo passes will range from 6 to 12 inches. If possible, avoid traveling tonight. Initially, valley precipitation is limited by downslope (westerly) winds. A change in wind direction on Tuesday will allow for a rain/snow mix, resulting in snow across most valley areas by Tuesday evening. Slippery roads will pose a problem for Wednesday morning commutes.

A winter break in the weather is expected for the second half of the week. Valley inversions will strengthen, keeping temperatures below normal in the 30s to low 40s.

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BLIZZARD WARNING from 1:00 p.m. Monday to 8:00 a.m. Tuesday for East Glacier Park, Saint Mary, Babb, Logan Pass, Rogers Pass, Marias Pass and Kiowa. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches below 5,000 feet, with 5 to 14 inches possible above 5,000 feet. Wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour.

WINTER STORM WARNING from Monday 2:00 p.m. to Tuesday 5:00 p.m. for the Lower Clark Fork Region, the West Glacier Region, the Clearwater Mountains and the Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. Heavy snow is expected above 4,000 feet. Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches will be common, but in higher terrain we could see up to 18 inches. Snow will be combined with wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour, resulting in reduced visibility due to blowing snow and drifting snow.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from Monday 2:00 p.m. to Tuesday 5:00 p.m. for the Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are expected. Occasionally higher values ​​between 6 and 10 inches cannot be ruled out.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from Monday 5:00 p.m. to Tuesday 11:00 a.m. for the Butte/Blackfoot region. Amounts of snow ranging from 1 to 3 inches, even up to 6 inches in isolated cases.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from Monday 5:00 p.m. to Tuesday 11:00 a.m. for the Kootenai/Cabinet region. Snow amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated 6 to 10 inches.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from 5:00 p.m. Monday to 5:00 a.m. Wednesday for the Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 9 inches. Wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY from 5:00 p.m. Monday to 11:00 p.m. Tuesday for Northwest Beaverhead County Northwest Beaverhead County. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 9 inches. Wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour.