Billings, Montana – Heavy rain and mountain snow will hit Montana from Sunday through Monday night, triggering a Flood Watch for southern Bighorn and Sheridan counties, where burn scar runoff near the Elk fire zone could worsen conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, thunderstorms Sunday afternoon and evening may bring locally heavy downpours, while widespread rain is expected to continue through Monday night. Lower elevations across central and southern Montana—including Billings, Columbus, and Harlowton—could see 1 to 1.5 inches of rainfall.
Localized flooding is possible due to saturated soils and increased streamflows, especially in flood-prone areas near Lodge Grass, Sheridan, and Buffalo. Travelers should be cautious on the Beartooth Highway, where snow above 6,500 feet may hinder snow removal efforts and create hazardous driving conditions. Livingston, Miles City, and Cody may also see reduced visibility and slick roads.
Outdoor plans may need adjusting as gusty winds and wet conditions persist through early Tuesday. Residents should monitor local alerts, avoid low-lying roads, and secure loose objects ahead of the storm.
Flood Watches remain active through late Monday, with additional warnings possible as rainfall intensifies.
