Billings, MT – A powerful winter storm system is expected to sweep across several Montana mountain ranges, potentially dropping up to 14 inches of snow through Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, Winter Storm Watches are in effect for the Crazy Mountains, Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains, and Pryor/Northern Bighorn Mountains beginning late Monday night and continuing through 6 p.m. Wednesday. Areas including Cooke City and higher elevations near Billings could experience wind gusts up to 40 mph, creating whiteout conditions and hazardous travel.
Forecasters warn that outdoor recreation in the high country will likely be disrupted. Snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches are possible, with visibility reduced by blowing and drifting snow. Travel may become difficult to impossible on mountain roads, particularly near Burgess Junction and Story, Wyoming.
Montana drivers are advised to monitor road conditions and delay non-essential travel in mountain corridors. Hikers and backcountry users should prepare for sudden weather changes and stay informed with local alerts.
This weather system follows the cancellation of a previous storm warning on Sunday but is expected to regenerate snow conditions across the region beginning Monday evening.
For up-to-date graphics and alerts, visit weather.gov/billings.
