Winter Storm Warning 01/03/2025 11:20 for Montana areas

Headline: 
Winter Storm Warning issued January 3 at 12:20PM MST until January 4 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Missoula MT
Event: 
Winter Storm Warning
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
January 3, 2025 - 11:20am
Expires: 
January 4, 2025 - 4:00am
Description: 
* WHAT...Heavy snow, flash freeze, and mixed precipitation expected. Likelihood of major impacts from snow is greater than 65 percent. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze. * WHERE...Flathead Lake, Polson, Mission Valley, and Flathead Valley. * WHEN...Until 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...There is a 15 percent chance that freezing rain occurs 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, especially in Columbia Falls. The continual influx of cold air from the Glacier Region will lead to a flash freeze of roads in the Flathead Valley, especially Friday evening.
Instruction: 
Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
Area Description: 
Flathead/Mission Valleys
Forcast Office: 
NWS Missoula MT