National Weather Service-Missoula issue snow, gusty wind forecast advisory

National Weather Service-Missoula has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Clearwater County and surrounding areas that includes gusty winds and snow through 7 p.m. Thursday.

Northern Clearwater Mountains

Snow is expected. Rapid temperature drops are behind the cold front with brief periods of heavy snow with accumulations of two to four inches . Lingering snow showers through Thursday night are expected..Winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour are also forecast.

Areas of particular not are Elk River, Idaho Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, and Pierce.

Orofino/Grangeville region

Snow is expected with rapid temperature drop behind the cold front with brief periods of heavy snow. Total accumulations of one to three inches of snow are possible with wind gusts as high as 45 mph.

Areas of particular note are Greer Grade, Camas Prairie, Grangeville and vicinity, U.S. Highway 95 Slate Creek to Riggins and White Bird Grade.

Orofino, elevation 1,040 feet, is forecast to have west southwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Travel could be affected. Visibility could decrease to one-quarter mile under brief, heavy snow squalls. Motorists are advised to slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state are available by calling 5 1 1.