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Snow stays west but windy conditions last through Saturday

Posted at 8:17 AM, Dec 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-11 10:19:00-05

We are tracking quite the active day for weather in the Treasure State.

Snow will move in through western parts of the state by this afternoon.

Highest accumulations will be through Marias and Logan Pass and parts of the Northern Rocky Mountain Front.

Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for areas west of the Continental Divide.

Wind is picking up again later this morning for almost all of West and Central Montana.

A High Wind Warning is in effect for areas across the Northwest this morning, and a High Wind Watch has been issued for Central Montana.

Even though the Plains will not see significant snow accumulation, wind will be in the forecast for the rest of the week.

High wind, coupled with significant snow accumulation, along the northern part of the Rocky Mountain Front has prompted the first Blizzard Warning of the season to be issued until tomorrow morning.

Blizzard Warning:

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
319 AM MST Tue Dec 11 2018

MTZ009-120000-
/O.EXT.KTFX.BZ.W.0007.181211T2100Z-181212T1800Z/
Northern Rocky Mountain Front-
Including Marias Pass
319 AM MST Tue Dec 11 2018

...BLIZZARD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
11 AM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of
  8 to 12 inches at Marias Pass, with 1 to 4 inches at East
  Glacier, are expected. Winds gusting as high as 80 mph in wind
  favored areas.

* WHERE...Northern Rocky Mountain Front.

* WHEN...From 2 PM this afternoon to 11 AM MST Wednesday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS......Travel could be very difficult to near
  impossible. If traveling on United States Highway 2 from East
  Glacier to Marias Pass or United States Highway 89 from Kiowa to
  Saint Mary, consider delaying travel if possible. Widespread
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get
stranded, stay with your vehicle.

High Wind Warning:

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
333 AM MST Tue Dec 11 2018

Default overview section
MTZ009-010-048-120000-
/O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0010.181211T1500Z-181212T1800Z/
Northern Rocky Mountain Front-Eastern Glacier-
Southern Rocky Mountain Front-
Including Logan Pass, Marias Pass, Browning, Heart Butte,
Cut Bank, Bynum, Choteau, and Augusta
333 AM MST Tue Dec 11 2018

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 AM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WINDS...Southwest 35 to 45 mph. Gusts up to 80 mph are possible
  along the immediate Rocky Mountain Front and up to 65 mph out
  onto the plains.

* TIMING...Winds will continue to increase along the Rocky
  Mountain Front and over the immediate eastern plains this
  morning. These strong winds are then expected to peak during the
  late afternoon hours today and into the early morning hours on
  Wednesday, before slowly dissipating.

* IMPACTS...Winds will combine with snow to produce blizzard
  conditions at times along and west of an East Glacier to Babb
  line in Glacier County. Damaging winds may blow down trees and
  power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel will be
  difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles and light weight
  trailers.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph, or gusts
of 58 mph or more, can lead to property damage.

High Wind Watch:

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
333 AM MST Tue Dec 11 2018

Default overview section
MTZ011>013-044>047-049>051-120000-
/O.NEW.KTFX.HW.A.0010.181212T1300Z-181213T0000Z/
Hill-Cascade-Chouteau-Toole-Liberty-Eastern Pondera-Blaine-
Eastern Teton-Judith Basin-Fergus-
Including Havre, Rocky Boy, Rudyard, Great Falls, Cascade, Belt,
Kings Hill Pass, Fort Benton, Carter, Big Sandy, Shelby,
Sunburst, Chester, Whitlash, Brady, Conrad, Chinook, Harlem,
Hays, Fairfield, Dutton, Raynesford, Stanford, Hobson, Lewistown,
Winifred, Lewistown Divide, and Grass Range
333 AM MST Tue Dec 11 2018

...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...

The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a High
Wind Watch, which is in effect from Wednesday morning through
Wednesday afternoon.

* WINDS...West 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph.

* TIMING...Breezy and gusty winds Tuesday night will begin to
  increase further Wednesday morning. These strong winds are then
  expected to peak during the early afternoon hours on Wednesday,
  before gradually dissipating into the evening hours on Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.
  Some power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult,
  especially for high profile vehicles and light weight trailers.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Watch means there is the potential for a hazardous
high wind event. Sustained winds of at least 40 mph, or gusts of
58 mph or stronger, may occur. Continue to monitor the latest
forecasts.