Great Falls, MT – A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for north-central Montana, including Cascade, Glacier, Pondera, Liberty, and Chouteau Counties, as a strong storm system is expected to bring heavy snow and gusty winds from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, snow totals between 4 and 7 inches are possible, with strong north winds developing Thursday night into Friday morning. The combination of falling snow, wind, and colder air will likely produce areas of blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and making travel very difficult across open roadways.
The storm is expected to begin Thanksgiving afternoon, intensify overnight, and peak early Friday morning, potentially impacting both holiday travel and the Friday morning commute. Locations along the Rocky Mountain Front, East Glacier Park, Great Falls, and Cut Bank are expected to see the highest impacts.
Forecasters warn that this system could lead to rapidly deteriorating conditions as a cold front pushes south through the region, dropping temperatures sharply.
Residents are urged to monitor the latest forecasts, prepare for winter driving conditions, and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles. The NWS notes that there is at least a 50% chance of significant winter impacts during the watch period.
