Prepare for more snowfall

The Daily Inter Lake

Just when the Flathead Valley got dug out from Friday's mega-dump of new snow, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning that could bring another 6 to 8 inches by this evening.

The warning is in effect from 2 a.m. through 8 p.m. today.

A potent Pacific weather system was to move into North Central Idaho and Western Montana early this morning and bring along with it areas of moderate to heavy snow, continuing into the evening. Heaviest snowfall was expected in North Central Idaho this morning, and along the border with Montana.

The Weather Service said lower valleys in Idaho could see a mix of rain and snow in the afternoon.

It's the latest round in a snow cycle that is pummeling Northwest Montana, and should bring gusty west winds in the mountain passes. Whiteout conditions are possible in the passes as snowfall intensifies today.

Snow showers will take a brief break early Tuesday before the next system hits the area that afternoon and evening. That system could bring moderate to heavy snows in the mountains.

Warmer air means Tuesday's system will bring rising snow levels and areas of rain in North Central Idaho and West Central Montana valleys Tuesday night into Wednesday.