Billings, MT – A widespread burst of Fall snow is sweeping across south central Montana this evening, tightening travel conditions from the Beartooth Foothills to the Yellowstone Valley as temperatures drop and winds increase.
According to the National Weather Service Billings office, a Winter Weather Advisory continues through early Saturday for Stillwater, Carbon, Sweet Grass, Big Horn, Yellowstone, Rosebud, Musselshell, Treasure, Custer, Golden Valley, and Wheatland counties. Snow totals will range from 2 to 5 inches, with higher hills near Red Lodge, the Melville Foothills, and the Wolf Mountains seeing locally heavier pockets. Gusts up to 40 mph around Judith Gap and the Sheridan Foothills will produce blowing snow and sudden visibility drops.
According to Montana DOT, slushy surfaces along I-90 from Columbus to Billings and on US-212 near Joliet and Lame Deer are already refreezing. Crews warn that shaded ramps and bridges may ice first as evening temperatures fall below freezing. Drivers should slow down, keep headlights on, and allow extra braking distance. Anyone traveling through Paradise Valley or the Livingston area should expect strong crosswinds, especially near the I-90 corridor north of Livingston.
According to county emergency managers in Big Horn and Carbon counties, drifting may complicate overnight plow operations, and rural routes near Bridger, Pryor, and Busby could become rutted. Residents should charge devices, prepare for brief power flickers, and secure outdoor items. Light snow is expected to taper before sunrise, but subfreezing temperatures may cause persistent slick spots into Saturday morning
