Billings, Montana – Drivers across south-central Montana have a narrow window to prepare as mountain snow intensifies along key travel corridors, with up to 12 inches expected in higher elevations before conditions ease Friday night. Anyone heading toward Red Lodge, Livingston, or Sheridan should be ready for slushy stretches and reduced visibility, especially on passes and elevated roadways.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, a round of moderate to heavy mountain snow will expand Thursday morning and persist through Friday evening. The heaviest accumulation will favor the Beartooth and Absaroka ranges, where 6 to 12 inches are likely, with locally higher totals possible on north-facing slopes. Foothill communities above 5,000 feet, including areas near Red Lodge and Story, Wyoming, could pick up 1 to 4 inches by Friday. Wind gusts may reach 30 to 35 mph at times, creating blowing snow in exposed areas.
I-90 from Livingston to Sheridan may see intermittent slick spots during heavier bursts, particularly near bridges and overpasses. US-212 toward Red Lodge and into the Beartooth foothills could turn slushy by midday Thursday, with snow-covered stretches possible at higher elevations. Rural routes in Carbon and Stillwater counties may also become snow-packed late Thursday into Friday.
Travelers should allow extra time, carry winter gear, and check road reports through the Montana Department of Transportation before departing. Backcountry recreation will become more difficult as snowfall deepens and visibility drops in the mountains.
Snow intensity should taper late Friday evening, but additional advisories remain possible if bands linger along the higher terrain.
