Columbus, MT – Snow and gusty winds are creating slick travel conditions across parts of central Montana Tuesday, with drivers facing the highest risk on bridges, overpasses, and higher hilltops before conditions improve overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight Tuesday for Golden Valley, Northern Carbon, and Northern Stillwater counties. Additional snowfall of up to 3 inches is expected, while winds may gust as high as 30 mph. The combination could reduce visibility at times and allow snow to drift across exposed roads.
Communities including Columbus, Joliet, Fromberg, Absarokee, Lavina, Rapelje, Reed Point, Park City, and Ryegate are all within the advisory area. Elevated terrain across the region is expected to see the poorest travel conditions, where blowing snow may briefly cover road surfaces.
Drivers traveling during the Tuesday evening commute should allow extra stopping distance and reduce speed, especially on untreated bridges and shaded stretches of highway. Local officials recommend checking Montana’s 511 system for updated road conditions before heading out.
The snow threat should taper off late Tuesday night, though slick spots could linger into early Wednesday morning as temperatures remain near freezing. Additional weather advisories remain possible if snowfall intensifies.
