Hazardous travel conditions are affecting portions of northeast Montana early Tuesday as dense fog and freezing drizzle reduce visibility and create slick road surfaces.
According to the National Weather Service in Glasgow, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect through 10 a.m. Tuesday for multiple counties in the region. Visibility may drop to one-quarter mile or less at times, making travel especially dangerous along U.S. Highway 2, Montana Highway 200, and nearby secondary roads.
In addition to low visibility, the National Weather Service warns of slippery road conditions caused by freezing drizzle and rime ice buildup. These conditions can quickly coat roadways, bridges, and overpasses with a thin layer of ice, even where pavement initially appears wet.
The most affected areas include travel corridors near Glasgow, Wolf Point, Sidney, Culbertson, Plentywood, Circle, and surrounding communities. Road images from MT-200 near Lambert show slick surfaces early Tuesday morning, confirming hazardous driving conditions in the advisory area.
Drivers may experience rapidly changing visibility, especially in low-lying areas and open stretches of highway. Sudden white-gray conditions can make it difficult to see other vehicles, road markings, or intersections until very close range.
Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights while traveling through fog. Extra caution is advised when braking or making turns due to the potential for hidden ice.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later this morning as temperatures rise and fog lifts. However, drivers—especially early-morning commuters, school traffic, and commercial operators—should plan for delays and allow extra travel time until visibility improves.
