NWS-Missoula issues winter storm watch, warning

National Weather Service-Missoula has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Orofino/Grangeville region and the Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River region and a Winter Storm Warning for the Northern and Southern Clearwater Mountains.

The watch and warning are in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning.

Heavy snow is possible for the watch area. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 6 inches is possible. Hells Canyon is expected to change to snow Saturday morning with accumulations up to 2 inches.

The area includes the Camas Prairie, Grangeville and vicinity, Greer Grade, U.S. Highway 95 Slate Creek to Riggins, and White Bird Grade.

Travel could be affected. Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

Orofino, elevation 1,040 feet

Friday, rain is forecast after noon and widespread frost before 9 a.m. Snow level will be at 1,200 feet rising to 2,900 feet in the afternoon with a high near 45 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday night, rain is forecast with the chance of precipitation at 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch are possible.

Saturday, rain and snow is likely, becoming all snow after 9 a.m. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Storm Warning

Heavy snow expected with total snow accumulations of 9 to 15 inches above 5,000 feet. Below 5,000 feet expect 5 to 10 inches in western Montana and 2 to 8 inches in the Clearwater Mountains of Idaho.

Travel could be very difficult. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

Those who must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.

Pierce, elevation 3,085 feet

Friday, snow is forecast after 11 a.m., mixing with rain after 4 p.m. Widespread frost before 8 a.m. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Friday night, rain is forecast before 8 p.m., then rain and snow between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., then snow after 11 p.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Snow level is expected at 4,200 feet lowering to 3,400 feet. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches is possible.

Saturday, snow is likely, mainly before 11 a.m. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.