By PAUL QUENEAU
The National Weather Service just reiterated that this afternoon and evening may be a very bumpy ride in the Missoula area and beyond.
A cold front is inbound that will drop our daily temps into the 60s for the much of the rest of the week, and in the process produce severe thunderstorms across a large swath of Western Montana and northern Idaho. NWS forecasters are “expecting damaging winds over 50 mph, hail up to one inch in diameter, and heavy downpours on the order of 0.5 inches of rain in 30 minutes.”
Impacts could include downed trees and power lines, hail damage and frequent lightning that should put those planning outdoor adventures this afternoon and evening on the alert. The storms are likely to be fast moving, most likely focusing on the area from Polson south to Hamilton, and Lookout Pass east to Seeley Lake—most definitely including Missoula.
High-profile Vehicles along the I-90 corridor, US 93 and Highway 200 should be alert for wind gusts. Rapid rainfall could also add to already swollen streams, further add to rising water levels. Forecasters warn the best chances for small streams and creeks spilling out of their banks will occur through Tuesday morning.
So put your car in the garage, cover your flowers and keep an eye and ear out for NWS warnings from now until midnight tonight.
