Great Falls, Montana – Travel across north-central Montana will grow increasingly hazardous through Tuesday evening as gusty winds whip falling snow into drifts and sharply colder air settles in.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday for the Northern and Southern High Plains, Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, Central Pondera, Eastern Toole and Liberty counties, along with the Gates of the Mountains. Snow totals up to 5 inches are expected, with wind gusts reaching 50 mph.
Communities including Cut Bank, Shelby, Browning, Choteau, Chester and Wolf Creek could see periods of blowing and drifting snow that reduce visibility, especially along U.S. 2 and Interstate 15. Forecasters warn a stronger burst of blowing snow may develop late Tuesday afternoon into early evening as winds shift northerly and temperatures fall into the single digits.
Wind chills could drop as low as 20 below zero late Tuesday night, increasing the risk of frostbite on exposed skin.
Drivers should slow down, prepare for sudden visibility drops and check Montana 511 or the MDT Road Report before traveling. Hazardous conditions will persist through Tuesday evening before winds gradually ease overnight.
