Winter Storm in Blackfoot Region, Montana

An arctic cold front moved across the Continental Divide bringing heavy snow and gusty winds to the region. Emergency travel was reported by the Montana Department of Transportation Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning across sections of the Mission and Flathead Valleys as well as areas near the Divide while the front moved through. Snowfall amounts ranged from 5 to 8 inches at Alberton and St. Ignatius southward across Missoula, Lolo, and Darby. Heavier snow of 10 to 12 inches was reported at Lolo Hot Springs, Warm Springs, and Peterson Meadows. Gusty northeast winds of 20 to 40 mph were common during the event. Peak gusts included, 38 mph at Kalispell, 36 mph at Columbia Falls, and 34 mph at Thompson Falls.