Glasgow, Montana – Dangerous travel conditions are developing across parts of northeast Montana tonight as dense freezing fog and freezing rain combine to reduce visibility and coat roads with ice, particularly north of the Missouri River. Drivers could encounter rapidly changing conditions, including near-zero visibility and slick pavement on highways and rural roads.
According to the National Weather Service in Glasgow, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect for northern Phillips and northern Valley counties through early Sunday morning. In addition, a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for freezing rain beginning tonight, with the most significant impacts expected in areas north of the Missouri River, including Glasgow, Malta, Opheim, Scobey, and surrounding communities.
Patchy dense freezing fog north of Highway 2 is already lowering visibility and allowing ice to accumulate on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. Forecasters say freezing rain accumulations are expected to range from a trace up to around five hundredths of an inch, enough to make travel hazardous and create slick sidewalks and parking lots. The buildup of rime ice on power lines may also lead to isolated power disruptions.
Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra braking time, especially during overnight and early morning hours. Conditions should gradually improve later Sunday morning, but additional advisories may be issued if icing becomes more widespread.
