Libby, Mont. – Slick highways and a wintry mix are setting up a hazardous Monday morning commute across northwest Montana valleys before heavier mountain snow ramps up this afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Missoula, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. Monday for the Kootenai/Cabinet Region, including Highway 93 from Eureka to Whitefish and Highway 2 from Kalispell to Libby. Snow totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected in favored areas, with up to 1 inch elsewhere. Black ice is a concern on Highway 93 south of Eureka and Highway 2 east of Libby.
Farther south and west, the Lower Clark Fork Region is under an advisory from 1 p.m. Monday to 9 a.m. Tuesday. Lookout Pass along I-90 could see 4 to 8 inches from Taft to the summit, with moderate travel impacts likely Monday evening into Tuesday morning.
In the West Glacier Region, including Marias Pass and Glacier National Park, 6 to 9 inches are expected at pass level through 5 a.m. Tuesday, with 1 to 4 inches in lower valleys and wind gusts up to 35 mph.
Drivers should check Montana 511 before traveling and prepare for slushy accumulation and possible disruptions through Tuesday morning.
