Winter Storm Warning 01/02/2025 19:01 for Montana areas

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, light snow expected. Likelihood of minor impacts from snow is greater than 60 percent. Total snow accumulations up to one inch. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow, flash freeze, and mixed precipitation expected. Likelihood of major impacts from snow is greater than 60 percent. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze. * WHERE...Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, Polson, and Flathead Lake. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 8 AM MST Friday. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 8 AM Friday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Light snow and black ice will be the primary issue with the advisory. For the warning, Colder air from the arctic will begin to pour into the Flathead Valley Friday morning and snow rates will pick up thereafter. Freezing rain is possible in the Mission Valley. Gusty northeast wind up to 30 mph between Columbia Falls and Kalispell will cause blowing snow, and reduced visibility down to one quarter mile at times. The continual influx of cold air will lead to a flash freeze of roads in the Flathead Valley, especially after dark Friday evening.