Niarada Severe Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories
HIGH WIND WARNING
Begins: 9:00 PM Sun, Oct 12, 2025
Expires: 12:00 PM Mon, Oct 13, 2025
* WHAT...Northeast to east winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Primarily Flathead Lake and eastern portions of Flathead valley including Ferndale, and Many Lakes north to Lake Blaine. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to noon MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible in the areas listed. Boat docks on the west side of Flathead Lake could be damaged. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Similar events in the past have brought trees down along Highway 35 and Finley Point.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
Begins: 6:00 PM Sun, Oct 12, 2025
Expires: 12:00 PM Mon, Oct 13, 2025
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. While all areas will see a dusting of snow, the most significant accumulations of 1 to 3 inches will be on the western side of the Flathead and Mission valleys, including west Kalispell, Kila and Hot Springs. * WHERE...Polson, Flathead Valley, Flathead Lake, and Mission Valley. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to noon MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...The primary threat is the development of ice, especially on bridges, overpasses and sidewalks. Initial light rain or melting snow will freeze as temperatures drop Sunday evening, creating slippery conditions even in areas that see little snow accumulation. Travel could be difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Gusty northeast to east winds gusting 40 to 50 mph will further exacerbate ice formation and create cold wind chills in the teens.
What is the difference between a weather warning, watch and advisory?
The National Weather Service issues alerts in different categories to indicate the severity of storms and if the public should take immediate action to prevent the loss of life or property or be aware of the potential of the same.
Weather Warning
A weather warning is issued when severe weather conditions are occuring or imminent and there is danger to life and/or property. The warning will include what action should be taken including evacuation or shelter in place and should be heeded immediately. Warnings are usually issued for a small, specific area and for a definite period of time.
Weather Watch
A weather watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A weather watch means that severe weather is possible in the area, so it is important to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and be prepared for potential storms.
The purpose of a weather watch is to provide advance warning to people in the affected area so that they can take necessary precautions. It is important to remember that a weather watch does not mean that severe weather will definitely occur, but simply that there is a higher chance of it happening.
If you live in an area where severe weather is common, it may be wise to have a plan in place for what you will do if a storm hits. Make sure you have plenty of food and water stored, as well as flashlights, batteries, and other supplies. You may also want to consider evacuating if necessary.
Weather Advisory
An advisory means the conditions are likely to occur. These are typically used for less severe weather events like frost or winds but can be used for other types of severe weather.
What is a Red Flag Warning?
A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fires and any fire which does start could spread rapidly. These are often issued after drought conditions, when humidity is very low and especially when there are high or erratic winds. The possibility of lightning is also a determining factor. Fire fighting agencies often will increase their staffing and equipment resources due to the forecast risk. For the public, a Red Flag Warning often means high fire danger leading to restrictions or bans on outdoor burning including burn piles, burn barrels and campfires. Use of anything which may produce sparks, including outdoor lawn equipment, chainsaws and welding, may be restricted or prohibited.
The weather criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings vary with each Weather Service office’s warning area based on the local vegetation type, topography, and distance from major water sources. They usually include the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity and daytime wind speed.
An enhanced version of the warning, called extreme red flag warning, may be issued. This means that conditions for fire growth and behavior are extremely dangerous due to a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, long duration, and very dry fuels.
