Winter weather advisory issued for Kootenai Cabinet region

A winter weather advisory has been issued for the Kootenai Cabinet Region from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

According to the National Weather Service, 3 to 6 inches of snow is possible in the valleys while mountain areas could see as much as 18 inches.

Experts say travel could be very difficult with roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, likely becoming slick and hazardous. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.

Authorities suggest slowing down and using caution while traveling. The most recent road conditions are available by calling 511.

In the Libby and Troy areas, freezing rain is in the forecast for Saturday night and Sunday morning.

At Happy’s Inn, snow accumulations are predicted between 1 and 3 inches on Saturday.

The extended local forecast calls for rain and high temperatures in the low 40s from Monday to Wednesday.

In the Yaak, snowfall of 2 to 5 inches is predicted from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Mountain passes west of Lincoln County could see significant snowfall through Sunday morning. Forecasters say there is a 90% chance for more than 30 inches at Stevens Pass and a 60% chance of more than 18 inches at Lookout Pass. Hazardous travel is expected on mountain passes from Friday through Sunday.

In the lowlands, rounds of snow are expected with the heaviest amounts in northeast Washington and the Idaho panhandle.

In the Lower Clark Fork region, a winter storm warning is in effect from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 15 inches from Lookout Pass to Taft are predicted while 4 to 8 inches are called for down to Haugan. Lower elevations could see 2 to 4 inches, with a mix of freezing rain. Winds may gust as high as 35 mph.

East and southeast of Lincoln County, West Glacier, Essex and the Swan Mountains are under a winter weather advisory.