Weather moderates after storms sweep through area
Severe storms sweep through the northwest last week — causing hazardous driving conditions on Lookout Pass. On Jan. 23, both lanes of Interstate 90 reported 100 percent ice. (Photo courtesy of Montana Department of Transportation)
By the end of last week, the stormy weather had moderated and people were able to enjoy sunny skies. Here the sun shines over Interstate 90 near Cyr. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral Independent)
Hazardous driving conditions and high-danger avalanche warnings were on the menu last week, and then weather began to moderate over the weekend.
On Jan. 23, 100 percent ice was reported on Lookout Pass for both eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 90.
Montana Highway Patrol responded to 72 incidents between Jan. 17 and Jan. 27. The bulk of the reports were on Jan. 17, when severe weather moved into the area. The incidents included a semi-truck which lost control two miles west of the Taft exit — causing the eastbound lane to be blocked for a prolonged period of time.
THERE WAS also a high avalanche danger warning for the St. Regis basin/Silver Valley area by the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center. The warning was in effect until Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. As of Sunday, Jan. 27, the center was reporting moderate conditions.
According to the U.S. Weather Serrvice, mild weather is on tap for the rest of this week with some cloudy skies moving in over the upcoming weekend.