First Major Snow Storm of the Season On Its Way

The first major snow of the season for the Bozeman area is on the way.  The storm is predicted to move in with strong winds on Friday. Late Friday and into Saturday morning mix of rain and snow is expected. The National Weather Service is predicting a brief lull Saturday night and then rain and snow is predicted on Sunday and to continue through most of Monday. With this storm they are calling for:

• Up to 6 inches of snow for Bozeman
• Heavy snow above 5,000 feet - predicting more than 6 inches
• Wind gusts up to 35 mph
• Temperatures below freezing
• Patchy blowing snow
• Slippery & slushy road conditions
• Low visibility
• Difficult travel especially for mountain passes

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch Friday night through Saturday for Gallatin, Broadwater, Jefferson, and Central and Southern Lewis and Clark Counties. As part of the advisory they also stated the following:

WHAT: Snow possible. Total snow accumulations of up to 6 inches are possible below 5000 feet, with in excess of 6 inches possible above 5000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

WHERE: Central and Southern Lewis and Clark, Jefferson, Broadwater, and Gallatin.

WHEN: From late Friday night through Saturday afternoon.

IMPACTS: Wet roads and rapidly falling temperatures Friday night and Saturday morning could lead to a flash freeze on road surfaces. Plan on slippery and slushy road conditions. Those recreating outdoors should be prepared for adverse
conditions.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Additional accumulating snow is possible Sunday through Monday morning after a brief lull Saturday night.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet, or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.