A
Anonymous
Guest
Big Muddy-- it looks like your area is going to get the heavy part of this storm too...This is an e-mail I received from the local weather office...
We have two storm systems we are keeping our eyes on.
1. This system is coming in tonight through Friday evening.
Weather: We still anticipate a narrow strip of freezing rain/snow from Whitewater to St. Marie to Poplar and Culbertson, but that band could shift 50 miles north or southward. North of a line of that area, expect snowfall to occur. Both areas will see snowfall accumulations from around an inch along the Hi-Line. Expect 2-3 inches northward from Opheim to Scobey and then 3-5" in the Plentywood area. Winds should not be an issue with this system, with speeds of 10-15 mph. The stronger winds of 20-30 mph are expected south of Fort Peck Lake.
Timing: The precipitation will start moving into the area tonight. We have some flurries on radar already along the Canadian Border.
Impacts: Slick roads and paved surfaces, newborn livestock with precipitation, and possible flickering of power systems with ice accumulations. It takes about a quarter of an inch of ice to cause the power lines to go down, and we are anticipating about 0.05", well below that threshold.
Forecaster Confidence: High
2. The next system is expected to hit early Sunday morning through Monday morning:
Weather: All snow, but with wind from the north and northwest, gradually varying during the event as the storm pushes through. Wind speeds of 15 to 25 mph with wind gusts to 40 mph are possible with this storm, along with snowfall totals of 2-5" across northeast Montana.
Timing: This storm will occur by early Sunday morning and continue all day, tapering off late Sunday night into Monday morning.
Impacts: Blowing and Drifting snow with near blizzard conditions (especially in the triangle from Scobey to Westby to Froid area). Wind Chills and precipitation will also impact newborn livestock. Those traveling should consider checking the forecast and road conditions before leaving. Have a winter survival kit in your vehicle as well.
Forecaster Confidence: Moderate