Dangerous roads close schools in Columbia Falls

School was called off Monday in Columbia Falls due to dangerous winter driving conditions.

In a message from School District 6 Superintendent Steve Bradshaw, he said road conditions were unsafe for travel. The closure impacted Columbia Falls High School, Columbia Falls Elementary and West Glacier.

Blowing and drifting snow was reported on Montana 40 between Whitefish and Columbia Falls, according to the Montana Department of Transportation road report. Snow and ice was reported along U.S. 2 from Columbia Falls to West Glacier.

Temperatures were below zero Monday morning across the region, with wind chill values approaching minus 20. A winter weather advisory was in effect for the Flathead Valley through Tuesday mid-morning. Up to 5 inches of snow was expected to fall in the valley.