National Weather Service-Missoula issues Winter Weather Advisory

National Weather Service-Missoula has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Norther Clearwater Mountains from 4 a.m. Friday through 4 a.m. Saturday.

Snow is expected with total accumulations of 5 to 9 inches. Higher totals are expected in the mountains. Intense snow showers are forecast Friday afternoon and evening that will cause very low visibility and rapidly changing conditions. Areas of particular impact include: Elk River, Pierce and Idaho Highway 11 from Pierce to Headquarters.

Precautionary/Preparedness actions

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions are available by calling 511.

Pierce, elevation 3,085 feet

Friday, rain and snow are forecast, becoming all snow after 9 a.m. with a high near 38 degrees. South southwest wind 9 to 14 miles per hour are expected to become west in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible. Friday night, snow is forecast, mainly before 10 p.m. with a low around 23 degrees. South wind 8 to 10 mph is expected. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is possible.

Saturday, A 50 percent chance of snow is forecast with partly sunny conditions and a high near 42 degrees. Southwest wind around 6 mph is expected. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Orofino, elevation 1,039 feet

Friday, rain is expected with a snow level at 3,100 feet lowering to 2,300 feet. High near 46 is expected. East northeast wind 6 to 16 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon is expected. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible. Friday night, rain and snow are forecast before 2 a.m., then a chance of snow. Snow level 2,000 feet lowering to 1400 feet after midnight with a low around 31. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southeast after midnight are expected. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Saturday will have a chance of snow before 11 a.m., then a chance of rain. Snow level rising to 2,500 feet in the afternoon. Conditions will be partly sunny, with a high near 49. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable are expected. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.