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GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) An ice storm in central Montana has led to the closure of the airport in Great Falls.

The Great Falls Transit District also suspended its bus service Monday morning, telling drivers to stop where they were until the streets become safer.

Great Falls International Airport closed its runways Monday morning due to the freezing rain, but planned to reopen them around noon, said Stephanie Wasilewski, administrative assistant for the airport authority.

According to the weather service, an ice storm makes travel dangerous or impossible, and any travel, whether on foot or in a vehicle, is discouraged.

Ice accumulations of up to a half inch were expected in Great Falls, Big Sandy, Fort Benton, Conrad, Fairfield, Stanford, Lewistown, and on Kings Hill Pass and Lewistown Divide.

The Montana Highway Patrol is reporting numerous crashes in the Great Falls area.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-21-09 1146CST | save this article / add to your favorites list