Weather
NOAA has issued a Blizzard Warning for northwest Montana including Glacier National Park.
We don’t see many Blizzard Warnings in an entire winter, let alone in September.
It’s getting crazy in Montana right now with the Montana Governor having declared a “Winter Storm Emergency”, Blizzard Warnings, Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Weather Advisories, and 4-feet of snow staked on garbage cans and it’s only September…
The current Blizzard Warning is calling for 3-10″ of snow, blizzard conditions, and very high winds today and tomorrow.
* WHAT...Blizzard conditions occurring. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. - NOAA, Great Falls MT, 9/29/19
The zone that is under a Blizzard Warning is also under a Winter Storm Warning that is forecasting another 8-24″ of snow today and tomorrow.
* WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Additional snow accumulations of 8 to 15 inches at lower elevations, up to 2 feet in the mountains and immediate foothills of the Rocky Mountain Front. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. - NOAA, Great Falls MT, 9/29/19
Up to 4-feet of snow had already fallen as of 4pm on Saturday in some northwestern Montana locations and there is another 1-2 feet of snow forecast today via hourly snowfall rates of up to 2″ per hour and blizzard conditions at times.
Blizzard Warnings, Winter Storm Warnings, & Winter Weather Advisories are all currently in effect for Montana today through tomorrow.
“Hourly snowfall rates of 1-2” per hour will be possible along and northwest of a Great Falls to Havre line at times this morning and into the afternoon, which will significantly reduce visibilities. In addition, strong northerly winds over portions of the Hi-Line and Rocky Mountain Front may cause near-blizzard conditions at times.” – NOAA, Great Falls MT, 9/29/19
The Governor of Montana has also declared a “Winter Storm Emergency”.
The emergency was declared in Montana in response to “heavy wet snow, high winds have downed trees and power lines resulting in road closures, emergency travel conditions, intermittent cellular service and power outages.”
“The emergency order allows the utilization of all necessary state government services, equipment and suppliers to further the efforts of local governments in protecting the health and safety of Montanans. With the order, state resources can be mobilized to impacted counties with eligible expenses for emergency protective measures and debris removal.” – Montana Governor’s Office
BLIZZARD WARNING:
* WHAT...Blizzard conditions occurring. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Northern Rocky Mountain Front, Eastern Glacier and Southern Rocky Mountain Front. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel is not recommended. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Snow drifting in blowing snow is blocking roadways.. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
WINTER STORM WARNING FOR MONTANA:
* WHAT...Heavy snow occurring. Additional snow accumulations of 8 to 15 inches at lower elevations, up to 2 feet in the mountains and immediate foothills of the Rocky Mountain Front. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Glacier, Toole, Liberty, Pondera, Teton, and Northern Lewis and Clark Counties. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Extreme impacts will continue. Some tree damage will be possible due to the heavy, wet snow falling onto trees with foliage. Additional power outages are possible. Agricultural interests; outdoor recreational interests, including camping and hunting activities; and travel will also continue to be negatively impacted. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Near blizzard conditions are possible at times through Sunday afternoon, especially along and northwest of a Heart Butte, to Cut Bank, to Sweet Grass line.
GOVERNORS OFFICE OF MONTANA PRESS RELEASE:
Governor Bullock Declares Winter Storm Emergency in Montana
Governor Steve Bullock today issued an executive order declaring an emergency in Montana due to a severe early season storm. Areas hardest hit include Cascade, Flathead, Glacier, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Pondera, and Teton counties and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, and Pondera County have issued local emergency declarations.
“With an unprecedented winter storm throwing our state a surprise in September, state and local governments are working closely together to protect the health and safety of Montanans and our top priority is making sure that happens,” Governor Bullock said. “Montanans should heed all warnings from state and local officials, travel safely, and be cautious during this time.”
The storm brought heavy, wet snow with accumulation amounts up to three feet in some locations. High winds have downed trees and power lines resulting in road closures, emergency travel conditions, intermittent cellular service and power outages. Unseasonably cold temperatures will delay snowmelt in some areas and bring the end of the growing season for some agricultural producers. The storm also has the potential to cause flooding in Montana.
“We were fortunate to receive several days of notice from the National Weather Service – which did a good job predicting the size and magnitude of this storm,” said Governor Bullock.
State agencies were able to preposition equipment and prioritize road clearing in cooperation with local jurisdictions. Given the proximity to Glacier National Park, the Blackfeet Nation has a shelter on standby for stranded motorists.
The Montana State Emergency Coordination Center is working with all counties in the storm path to identify needs to critical lifeline services such as energy, communications, transportation, and emergency food, water, and shelter services. The State Emergency Coordination Center continues to receive declarations of emergencies from local and tribal jurisdictions.
The emergency order allows the utilization of all necessary state government services, equipment and suppliers to further the efforts of local governments in protecting the health and safety of Montanans. With the order, state resources can be mobilized to impacted counties with eligible expenses for emergency protective measures and debris removal.
