Great Falls, Montana – Freezing rain and mixed precipitation are creating hazardous travel conditions across much of north-central Montana early Thursday, with multiple Winter Weather Advisories in effect through the morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, advisories remain in place for a wide area including the Northern and Southern High Plains, Eastern Glacier, Toole, Pondera, Chouteau, Cascade County below 5,000 feet, Gates of the Mountains, Hill County, Blaine County, and the Bears Paw Mountains.
In many locations, advisories are set to expire at 5 a.m. MST, while others — including Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Eastern Toole, and Liberty Counties — have been extended until 9 a.m. MST.
The primary hazard is mixed precipitation, including freezing rain, with additional ice accumulations up to a light glaze. The National Weather Service warns that roads, sidewalks, bridges, and overpasses are likely to become slick and hazardous, particularly during the early morning commute.
Forecasters also note that ice accumulation on power lines is possible, which could lead to isolated power outages in some areas.
Communities impacted by the advisories include Great Falls, Havre, Cut Bank, Shelby, Chinook, Browning, Fort Benton, Conrad, Harlem, Chester, Choteau, Wolf Creek, and surrounding rural areas.
Residents and travelers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and use caution when walking on icy surfaces. Pedestrians should remain alert for slippery sidewalks and untreated walkways.
Winter Weather Advisories are issued when there is a high likelihood of minor but disruptive winter impacts, particularly to travel and infrastructure, during the advisory period.
