Heavy snow, wind and cold forecast for northern Rockies

It might be time to get those skis waxed and tune up the snowmobile, winter has finally arrived in northwest Montana.

Several inches of snow is blanketing the landscape with more on the way, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

The service has issued a winter storm watch through Wednesday morning with the possibility of heavy snow accumulating four to 12 inches in the valleys and two to three feet possible in higher elevations, including Lookout Pass. Winds could gust as high as 50 miles per hour causing blowing and drifting snow and low visibility over the mountain passes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

In northwest Montana, affected areas include Interstate 90 Lookout Pass to Haugan, Highway 37 Eureka to Libby, Evaro Hill, Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron, Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road and Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains.

Temperatures are expected to drop beginning Wednesday with overnight lows from the single digits to minus-12 Friday night and daytime highs between 6 and 15 degrees.

In Libby, forecasters say two to four inches could fall Tuesday with another inch or so on Wednesday.

In Troy, three to six inches may fall between Tuesday and Wednesday.

At Happy’s Inn, five to 10 inches are called for on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the Yaak, eight to 13 inches are forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Heron and Noxon could see six to 12 inches between Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the Flathead Valley, various locations may see three to six inches between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Further east, West Glacier could see nine to 15 inches while Essex may see 10 to 22 inches.

In northern Idaho, Bonners Ferry and Coeur D’Alene may see three to five inches on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Officials are urging drivers to slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.