National Weather Service Warns of Heavy Moisture: Rain and Snow Expected in Montana

The weather is rapidly changing as we prepare for holiday travel. Parts of Western Montana have already experienced snow and ice, leading to school cancellations in some areas.

Read More: Stevensville Schools Close Due to Icy Roads: Stay Safe, Everyone!

The National Weather Service is now alerting Western Montana to an increasing possibility of abundant rainfall in the valleys and snowfall in the mountains over the next few days. There is a growing likelihood of an 'Atmospheric River' impacting the area. An 'Atmospheric River' is a relatively long and narrow region in the atmosphere that brings with it a lot of moisture, according to the National Weather Service. When viewed on a map, it resembles a river in the sky.

The recent forecast indicates an increased likelihood that Western Montana will experience rain, with snow in higher elevations that may eventually turn to rain depending on elevation. With the amount of moisture that can come from this system, there is a potential for rock and mudslides. The amount of heavy snow over the passes can also hinder travel.

The recommendation at this time is to continue to monitor weather forecasts and be aware of the changing conditions if you are going to be travelling by road. Over the next week, many people will be traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday. According to GasBuddy.com an estimated 72% of Americans are going to be traveling on the road for the upcoming holiday.

Read More: 72% of Americans Plan to Travel By Car for Thanksgiving

Now is a good time to check your vehicles and make sure that you have safety gear in your vehicles before hitting the road. You never know when they might come in handy while traveling in Montana.