Billings, Mont. – A prolonged winter storm is spreading heavy snow across much of Montana, with mountain areas expected to see several feet of accumulation while lower elevations face hazardous travel through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings and Great Falls, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect across large portions of central and south-central Montana until 6 a.m. Sunday, while some areas along the Rocky Mountain Front remain under warnings until 6 p.m. Saturday.
The Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, including Cooke City, could see the most extreme totals with 1 to 4 feet of snow expected through the storm. Meteorologists warn the combination of heavy snowfall and blowing snow could sharply reduce visibility and increase avalanche danger in the high country.
Lower elevations across communities including Billings, Roundup, Big Timber, Columbus, Laurel, and Harlowton may receive 7 to 14 inches of snow, with locally higher totals in nearby hills. Periods of lighter snow Friday are expected to intensify late Friday night through Saturday evening, when the heaviest accumulation is likely.
Across the Bighorn Mountains and areas near Burgess Junction, 1 to 2 feet of snow could create extremely difficult travel along U.S. Highway 14.
State transportation officials warn roads may remain slushy early in the storm but could quickly become snow-covered as snowfall rates increase. Drivers are urged to check Montana 511 road conditions and carry emergency supplies if travel cannot be delayed.
Snowfall is expected to continue in waves through Saturday night, with warnings lasting until early Sunday morning as crews work to keep highways open across the region.
