A winter storm will impact most of Montana beginning Saturday night and through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service office in Great Falls, those with travel plans should be prepared for icy and snow-covered roads that will cause very difficult driving conditions. In addition to heavy snow, very cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 to 30 degrees below zero are anticipated beginning Sunday and persisting through Wednesday. These wind chills could cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin, according to NWS.
For more details, see NWS’ latest situation report.
For information on the latest road conditions and closures, visit mdt511.com or download the mobile app MDT Travel Info. Check weather and road conditions prior to travel and carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. If you or someone you know becomes stranded, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services advises to stay with your vehicle and call 911.
Here are tips on how to stay safe during snowstorms and extreme cold from Ready.gov:
● Stay indoors during the storm.
● Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule and your route; stay on main roads and avoid back roads.
● Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
● Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.
● Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
● If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
● Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss.
Follow the National Weather Service in Great Falls for current, up-to-date information on their website as well as Facebook and Twitter. If you have any information, snow reports, photos, videos or questions, please e-mail tfx.spotters@noaa.gov or call NWS at 406-453-2081 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. MDT.
