Montana braces for a long, snowy stretch today as a tightening snow band spreads south and east across central portions of the state. Flakes already fly across open fields along US-2, and visibility drops quickly when gusts sweep fresh powder across the roadway. Drivers on the Hi-Line should expect quick, uneven changes in conditions as the heavier core of the storm shifts through the region.
According to the National Weather Service, 6–12 inches of snow is expected through Saturday morning in a broad stripe from north-central to southeast Montana. Locally higher amounts are possible within the center of the heavy band, while areas just outside the axis may receive significantly less. Meteorologists caution that this sharp snowfall gradient adds uncertainty, meaning totals may fluctuate a bit before the system exits early Saturday.
Travel impacts will escalate through the day as snow deepens on rural roads and wide-open highways. Reduced visibility, blowing snow, and icy patches could make stretches of US-2 and MT-24 especially difficult this afternoon and evening. Plan extra time and avoid long rural drives if possible. Keep an emergency kit ready—temperatures will fall fast once the storm pushes east.
By Sunday morning, bitter air settles across the Hi-Line, adding a winter bite to the post-storm landscape. While skies may trend quieter, the lingering cold will still complicate travel and livestock operations. To be fair, some communities south of the band will see much lighter snowfall, but cold winds will reach them as well.
