Just a few days officially into autumn, and Great Falls has already dealt with two winter blasts.
Several days ago, Great Falls received more than a foot of snow in a record-setting September storm. On Tuesday night and into Wednesday, another seven inches fell.
“We have had tons of people coming in the last view days coming in for their snow supplies," said Tracey Setzer, ACE Hardware Assistant Manager. “It’s not very nice outside and we are getting more snow and we have the snow and ice now.”
The Montana Department of Transportation provides the following safety tips for driving in wintry conditions:
- Allow extra time to get to your destination.
- Keep windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Always buckle up.
- Slow down in poor visibility conditions.
- Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.
- Expect ice on bridges and in shady spots.
- Don't pass snowplows unless it's absolutely necessary.
- Prepare your vehicle for winter driving at the start of the season.
- Check to be sure all four tires are in good condition.
- Don't wait until the last minute to get snow tires mounted.
- Keep an emergency travel kit in your car.
Among the items you should keep in your vehicle:
- Water
- Rope
- Bright tape – in case you must pull over.
- Snacks
- Extra clothes and shoes
- Emergency blankets
- Gloves
- Sandbag
- Flashlight
- Pillow and Blanket
- Power source/bank for cell phone
WINTER WEATHER RESOURCES:
- STORMTracker Weather page
- Live interactive radar
- STORMTracker on Facebook
- Montana webcams (MDT site)
- Road Conditions (MDT site)
