National Weather Service-Missoula has issues Winter Weather/Storm Watch

National Weather Service-Missoula has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, followed by a Winter Storm Watch through Thursday for the eastern upper elevations of Clearwater County.

Snow showers are on the increase Monday afternoon and as the sun sets this evening, snow will begin to accumulate on area roads. Slick, snow covered roads are expected over higher elevation valleys and area grades. Snow showers will taper off Tuesday morning, but a much stronger weather system will begin to move in Tuesday night.

A prolonged period of persistent snow is anticipated Tuesday night through Thursday morning across the mountains of central Idaho. Very moist air from the Pacific in conjunction with a strong jet stream will be conducive for continuous mountain snows which could be heavy at times and make travel difficult.

Snow accumulations of three to six inches over the Clearwater mountains Monday night through Tuesday morning with one to two feet of snow Tuesday night through Thursday morning with locally higher amounts.

Locations impacted include: Elk River, Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, and Pierce.

Pierce

Pierce, at elevation 3,240 feet, is forecast to have snow showers Monday afternoon with a high near 34 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent with new daytime snow accumulation of one to three inches possible. Monday night, snow showers will continue, mainly before 10 p.m., then snow likely after 4 a.m. with a low around 21 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent and new accumulation of one to three inches is possible.

Tuesday, snow is forecast and could be heavy at times. With a high near 36 degrees, new snow accumulation of two to four inches is possible. Tuesday night, snow is forecast before 10 p.m., then rain. The snow could be heavy at times and the snow level is forecast to rise to 3,600 feet. New snow accumulation of two to four inches is possible.

Wednesday, rain is forecast and could be heavy at times. The snow level will be at 3,900 feet and chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Wednesday night, rain and snow is forecast and they could be heavy at times. The snow level will be at 3,300 feet and the low around 31 degrees. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.

Thursday, more rain is expected and could be heavy at times. Snow level is forecast at 3,600 feet and the high near 42 degrees. Chance precipitation is 100 percent.