Great Falls, Mont. – Travel across central and western Montana could grind to a halt starting early Wednesday as a late-season snowstorm brings up to 9 inches of snow and wind gusts topping 40 mph to several mountain passes and foothill communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, Winter Weather Advisories are in effect from 3 a.m. Wednesday through midnight across regions including the East Glacier Park area, Southern Rocky Mountain Front, Judith Basin County, and the Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. Snow will start early in the morning west of Browning and East Glacier and intensify through midday, with the heaviest snowfall likely along higher elevations such as Rogers Pass and Kings Hill Pass.
Drivers along U.S. Route 89, Highway 200, and in towns like Stanford, Lincoln, and Neihart should prepare for slippery roads and poor visibility. Snowfall rates could exceed one inch per hour during peak hours. Tire chains may be required for mountain travel, and backcountry users are urged to prepare for rapidly changing, hazardous conditions.
This storm is expected to ease by Thursday afternoon, but more advisories could be issued if snowbands linger. Travelers are encouraged to check MDT’s 511 road report system before heading out and avoid non-essential travel through pass areas.
