Billings, MT – The National Weather Service has issued a series of Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Watches for much of south-central and southeast Montana, as well as portions of northern Wyoming, ahead of a two-part winter event this week.
The first round arrives Wednesday morning, bringing a light mix of snow and freezing rain to areas including Red Lodge, Billings, Hardin, Roundup, Miles City, and Sheridan, WY. Snow totals are expected to remain under an inch, but a thin glaze of ice could make travel slick during the morning commute. Advisories remain in effect through mid-afternoon Wednesday.
A more powerful system follows Thursday through Saturday, with a Winter Storm Watch in place for central and southern Montana. Forecasters expect 5 to 12 inches of snow across lower elevations, with locally higher totals near mountain foothills such as the Beartooths and Crazy Mountains. Winds may gust up to 50 mph, causing blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Meteorologists warn of a potential flash freeze Thursday evening as Arctic air surges across the state, turning wet roads to ice. Travel could become dangerous late Thursday into Friday.
Drivers are urged to slow down, check road conditions through 511MT, and prepare winter travel kits.
