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The spring snowstorm that moved into the area early Tuesday morning brought some welcome moisture but also posed a threat to livestock. Still, the gusty winds and frigid temperatures didn't stop some area kids from taking advantage of a snow day and playing outside on Wednesday.
A spring blizzard that started early Tuesday morning brought some much needed moisture to the area but also created hazardous travel conditions and posed a significant threat to young livestock. By Tuesday at 5 p.m., the National Weather Service had recorded 11.5 inches of snow in Ekalaka. Additional snow fell throughout the night and into Wednesday morning.
A blizzard warning was in effect for the area from Tuesday through Thursday. Along with the snow, wind chills were below zero degrees. Total snowfall predictions for the system range anywhere between 15 inches and two feet, though exact measurements will be difficult to record due to drifting.
Ekalaka Public Schools did not run buses on Tuesday morning and eventually released students early. Classes were canceled on Wednesday and the school schedule remained unknown for Thursday at the time of printing.
By 1 p.m. on Wednesday, the Montana Department of Transportation had closed Highway 7 from Ekalaka to Wibaux, as well as Highway 323 to Alzada and portions of Highway 212.
Update** According to the National Weather Service, Ekalaka received 11.5 inches of snow on Tuesday, 7.5 inches on Wednesday and another 2.5 inches on Thursday for a total of 21.5. The snow resulted in 1.41" of precipitation.
As of 2 p.m. on Friday, Highway 7 and Highway 323 remained closed as crews worked to clear drifts.
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