NWS issues freezing rain advisory, warns of dangerous road conditions: Across Valley, Most Schools Closed

Schools across the Flathead Valley closed their doors Friday morning because of icy road conditions, according to the Flathead County Schools Web site. Only Whitefish School District and Flathead Valley Community College will continue classes today.

The National Weather Service office in Missoula issued a freezing rain advisory at about 7:30 a.m. Friday. At that time, NWS had reports from weather spotters and law enforcement of freezing rain in Thompson Falls and Noxon. Freezing rain is expected to continue throughout the morning as a weak storm system moves through Northwest Montana, producing precipitation. Later in the day, freezing rains are expected to give away to snow or a rain-snow mix.

NWS warned that roads will be lightly coated with ice making Friday morning's commute potentially dangerous.

For weather updates, go to the NWS Web site at www.wrh.noaa.gov/mso/. For more information on school closures, go to http://flathead.mt.gov/schools/closures.php or call the individual school district offices.