Freezing rain and snow in the forecast his week

The National Weather Service in Missoula is forecasting a significant change to the winter weather scenario for the Northern Rockies from Tuesday evening, Jan. 28, through midday Friday, Jan. 31.

In Northwest Montana, mix of snow and freezing rain at valley locations will begin Tuesday evening, while moderate snow will begin over mountain passes.

With nighttime low temperatures of 25-30 degrees in the valleys, freezing rain could become quite a safety issue on some roads Tuesday night.

Blowing snow with strong westerly winds could be an issue on Marias Pass on Tuesday evening through Wednesday, with 8-12 inches of snow possible.

Snow on Lookout Pass should be fairly constant Tuesday evening through Wednesday, with 10-14 inches of total snow.

Precipitation will turn to mostly rain for the valleys during the day on Wednesday, becoming snow after sunset. Several inches of valley snow, particularly in the Flathead Valley, are possible overnight on Wednesday through midday Thursday.

For the latest updates, visit online at www.weather.gov/missoula.