The first wintry storm of the season is poised to impact central Montana the next couple of days. A cold front will bring very windy conditions today as it moves through the region. The main event starts later tonight as light to moderate snow overspreads north central Montana.
A High Wind Warning is in effect from Monday at 11:00 PM through Tuesday at 11:00 PM for Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. During this period, west-northwest winds are anticipated to reach 25 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph.
Additionally, a High Wind Warning has been issued for the foothills and plains adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Front, as well as Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties, active from 8:00 AM Monday through 11:00 PM Tuesday. This area could experience winds from the west-northwest at 30 to 50 mph, with gusts of 70 to 80 mph. The combination of existing snow on the ground and new snowfall will create blizzard conditions, resulting in near-zero visibility at times.
An upper-level trough centered off the coast of British Columbia on Monday morning will push another cold front through central Montana by Tuesday afternoon and evening, with light to moderate snow moving in early Tuesday morning. The north-to-south movement of precipitation will enhance upsloping, leading to higher snowfall totals on north-facing slopes.
Higher elevations in the Little Belts, Highwoods, and Little Snowy Mountains could see over a foot of snowfall. Meanwhile, parts of Fergus and Judith Basin counties, including Stanford and Lewistown, are expected to receive several inches of snow.
Many locations across central Montana will receive their first accumulating snow of the season, but amounts should be fairly light, with a coating to 3 inches expected for the plains.
The system will pull away Wednesday morning with skies quickly clearing out, but it will be chilly. Road conditions could be quite slick Wednesday morning.
An upper-level ridge will quickly build over the West leading to a warming trend for the rest of the week. A few areas could actually hit 60 degrees come Friday.
WINTRY WEATHER DRIVING
Check the Montana Department of Transportation website before you hit the road to find out which roads are snow-covered, which ones have ice and/or slush, and if any roads are closed.
Keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle is important - recommended items include:
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective triangle
- Ice scraper
- Car cell phone charger
- Blanket
- Map
- Cat litter or sand (for better tire traction)
MDT provides the following safety information:
- Allow extra time to get to your destination.
- Clean off your car. Keep windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Always buckle up.
- Slow down in poor visibility conditions.
- Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.
- Expect ice on bridges and in shady spots.
- Don't pass snowplows unless it's absolutely necessary.
- Prepare your vehicle for winter driving at the start of the season.
- Check to be sure all four tires are in good condition.
- Don't wait until the last minute to get snow tires mounted.
- Keep an emergency travel kit in your car.
When you encounter a snowplow:
- Don’t crowd the plow.
- Plow drivers have limited visibility so don’t assume your vehicle is in view.
- Maintain a safe distance behind the snowplow.
- Plows aren't just removing snow. They may also be spreading sand or deicer on the road.
- Be patient—never pass through a white out.
- The driver will pull over when it is safe to do so to allow vehicles to pass.
- Slow down.
Plows are large and move slower than highway speeds. It is difficult to judge distance when approaching the plow so slow down immediately to avoid a collision.
