Many parts of western and central Montana will experience dangerous travel conditions this weekend with gusty winds of 60+ MPH and up to 16 inches of new snow. A powerful storm system is moving into Montana, with advisories and warnings issued.

Driving across Montana will be impacted by this storm, especially in higher elevations and mountain passes. Use extreme caution and pay close attention to the latest weather reports. Blowing and drifting snow will create whiteout conditions.

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Northwest Montana is predicted to get the worst conditions with isolated areas perhaps getting over 20 inches of new snow over the weekend. Combined with strong winds, travel may be impossible at times.

  • NORTHWEST MONTANA: A WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON.
  • WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible.
  • Chance of moderate to major impacts from snow or ice is at least 50 percent.
  • Total snow accumulations between 4 and 22 inches and ice accumulations around one tenth of an inch possible.
  • The peak of the storm and any freezing rain is expected Friday night through Saturday with a second wave of possible heavy snow Sunday evening through Monday.
  • WHERE...Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, Polebridge, Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Flathead Valley, Highway 93 Eureka to Whitefish, Highway 37 Eureka to Libby, Essex, Polson, Flathead Lake, Bad Rock Canyon, Marias Pass, and Mission Valley.
  • WHEN...From Friday morning through Monday afternoon.
  • IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible.
  • The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening and Monday morning commutes, especially over higher passes.
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Southwest Montana may receive less snow, but the forecast is still quite dangerous with gusty winds of 40+ MPH possible and several inches of snow expected. This storm may come in 'rounds' with periods of relative calm.

  • SOUTHWEST MONTANA: A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST SUNDAY.
  • ALSO, A WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON.
  • WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected.
  • Total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches.
  • Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
  • For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible.
  • Additional snow accumulations between 5 and 9 inches possible.
  • WHERE...Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains.
  • IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult.
  • Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
MDT road camera during winter
MDT road camera during winter
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Central Montana is not expected to have wind issues, but heavy snow is predicted which could significantly affect travel in the higher elevations. Chains may be required for some vehicles.

  • CENTRAL MONTANA: A WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON.
  • WHAT...Heavy snow possible.
  • Total snow accumulations between 8 and 16 inches possible.
  • WHERE...The Highwood, Little Belt, Judith, and Snowy Mountains, Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass, Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, and Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains.
  • WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday afternoon.
  • IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult and tire chains may be required for some vehicles.

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