National Weather Service issues Winter Weather Advisory

National Weather Service-Missoula has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Northern and Southern Clearwater Mountains from 5 p.m. Wednesday to 8 a.m. Thursday.

Snow is expected. There is a likelihood of minor to moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches below 5,000 feet, with 5 to 10 inches in the higher terrain.

Areas of particular impact include: U.S. Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass, Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, Pierce, Elk River, Elk City and Dixie.

For moderate winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes, especially over higher passes.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions

Outdoor recreationalists should be prepared for winter conditions. Snowfall could impact roads and cold temperatures may result in hypothermia. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions are available by calling 5 1 1.

Pierce, elevation 3,085 feet

Tuesday night: Rain, possibly mixed with snow, becoming all rain after 5 a.m. Low around 34 degrees. Light south southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Wednesday: Rain, possibly mixed with snow before 9 a.m., then rain between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., then snow after 3 p.m. Snow level 4,700 feet lowering to 3,400 feet in the afternoon. High near 43. South southwest wind around 6 miles per hour becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday night: Snow. Low around 26. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Thursday: Snow. High near 39. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Thursday night: A 40 percent chance of snow, mainly before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.