Blizzard Warning Issued for West Glacier Region; 80 MPH Gusts and Whiteout Conditions Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Missoula, MT, has issued a Blizzard Warning (NWS code: BZW) for the West Glacier Region. This alert follows a sequence of winter weather events including a Winter Weather Advisory and a Winter Storm Warning, escalating to a Blizzard Warning as conditions deteriorate.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the West Glacier Region, specifically including:

• Polebridge
• Marias Pass
• Bad Rock Canyon
• Highway 83 from Bigfork to Swan Lake
• Glacier National Park
• Essex
• US Highway 2 east of West Glacier to Marias Pass

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are urged to delay all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and carry a winter storm kit. This kit should include tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets, extra clothing, water, and a first aid kit. If you become stranded, stay in your vehicle to survive. Whiteout conditions will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: Extremely strong gusts between 60 and 80 mph are expected at all elevations.
• Visibility: Falling and blowing snow will cause visibilities to drop below 1/4 mile, creating whiteout conditions.
• Snow Accumulation: While the blizzard phase focuses on wind and visibility, total snow accumulations throughout the multi-day event are significant. The initial warning period expects up to 6 inches, followed by a secondary storm period with accumulations between 5 and 20 inches.
• Hazards: High likelihood of extreme impacts, including extensive tree damage and widespread disruptions to infrastructure.

Timeline

• Winter Weather Advisory: In effect until 6:00 PM MDT Wednesday.
• Winter Storm Warning: In effect from 6:00 PM Wednesday to midnight MDT.
• Blizzard Warning: In effect from midnight tonight to 9:00 AM MDT Thursday.
• Secondary Winter Storm Warning: In effect from 9:00 AM Thursday to noon MDT Saturday.