More snow, bitter cold expected at end of week

A second blast of winter weather in northwest Montana and Lincoln County this week is expected to bring more and bone-chilling cold to the area.

After several inches of snow fell in Libby earlier this week, National Weather Service forecasters predicted another three to five inches Thursday and up to 11 inches in the Kootenai Cabinet Region. Gusting winds could reach 40 miles per hour.

But the most notable change in the weather will be a drastic change in the temperature with predicted highs below or at 0 degrees from Friday through Sunday.

Overnight low temperatures are expected to range from minus-28 on Friday night to minus-5 on Monday. Wind chill factors will make it feel even colder.

But the front will produce sunny skies, something that’s been in short supply for several months.

Experts urge motorists 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.

The weather is also having an effect on school activities. 

For Libby High School sports, Thursday’s sporting events were canceled due to extreme weather. The basketball games against Columbia Falls will be rescheduled. Saturday's games in Polson are still on, but a decision will be made Friday morning on whether to cancel or play.

Also, basketball games scheduled for this weekend have been canceled. 

Flathead Electric Cooperative noted that while extreme cold isn’t a common cause of power outages, it can delay power restoration efforts.

“Cars hit power poles nearly every day, winds blow and trees fall down, and small animals and birds damage electrical connections — anything can happen,” the co-op wrote in a message to customers Wednesday.

The co-op offered the following tips to prepare for the coming storm:

- Make sure you have an alternate heat source, and keep it prepared, i.e., source and properly store kerosene for your heater; candles; and wood, gas, or pellets for stoves.

- If it is not possible for you to have an alternate heat source, make a plan to go to an alternate location, such as the home of a friend or family member with an alternate heat source.

- Stock up on water for your family and your animals! Whether you buy it bottled or do it yourself, keep in mind that electric water pumps don’t work when the power is out. Store your water supply where it won’t freeze.

- Lay in ready-to-eat food supplies, and remember infant formula and food for your animals.

- Charge up your devices, and put your flashlights, batteries, power banks, lanterns, and radios in an easy-to-access location.

- Top off your gas tank. Most gas stations rely on electricity to operate their pumps, and you might need to use your vehicle as a charging or warming station in an emergency.

- Prepare your home for cold temperatures. Seal drafts, insulate pipes, and install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups on every level of your home.

Those looking to hit the slopes and turn some powder can finally rejoice that Turner Mountain Ski Area will open on Monday, Jan. 15.

According to a post on its Facebook page, the first chair will begin running at 9:30 a.m. Regular operating hours will continue Friday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in Sandpoint said a backcountry avalanche warning also remains in effect through Thursday evening at elevations above 5,500 feet in the St. Joe Mountains of the Silver Valley, Selkirk Range and Cabinet Mountains of northern Idaho and western Montana.

The avalanche danger for the warning area will remain high through Thursday due to recent heavy snow combined with wind will likely create widespread areas of unstable snow in the backcountry at upper elevations. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Consult http://www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information.