Gusty Winds

Batten down the hatches, because something called ‘a classic arctic intrusion’ is headed for Missoula, and it is due to arrive on Sunday with very cold temperatures, snow and gusty winds.

As if this big dump of snow wasn’t enough, the National Weather Service and the West Central Montana Avalanche Center are predicting winds of 50 miles per hour or higher for travelers and avalanche danger for back country recreationists.

On the busiest travel day of the year, drivers in western Montana are experiencing a variety of weather and road conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service is predicting strong thunderstorms to develop on Wednesday afternoon and to continue into Wednesday night.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch for Thursday night through Friday night, February 27 and 28.

A massive line of thunderstorms ripped through eastern Idaho and west-central Montana Friday night, producing lightning strikes and sustained high winds that snapped trees and knocked out power to thousands in the area for several hours.