Billings, MT – The National Weather Service has issued multiple Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Watches across Montana as a powerful Arctic front approaches later this week. The system is expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and rapidly dropping temperatures from Wednesday through Saturday morning.
According to the NWS offices in Billings, Great Falls, and Glasgow, travel conditions will deteriorate across much of central and eastern Montana, including Billings, Great Falls, Glasgow, Miles City, Lewistown, Roundup, and Havre.
For Wednesday, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for several regions due to mixed precipitation and light ice accumulation. Snow totals are expected to remain under an inch, but roads could become slick from freezing rain.
The greater threat arrives Thursday afternoon through Saturday, when a Winter Storm Watch takes hold statewide. Forecast models suggest 5 to 12 inches of snow across lower elevations, and up to 20 inches in mountain areas such as the Crazy Mountains and Marias Pass. Wind gusts up to 60 mph are possible in the high country.
Meteorologists warn of a potential flash freeze Thursday evening as temperatures plunge behind the Arctic front, rapidly turning wet roads into sheets of ice.
Drivers are urged to monitor forecasts, delay travel when possible, and carry winter emergency kits. The heaviest snowfall is expected Friday, with hazardous travel likely through the weekend.
