BILLINGS, MT — A late-season storm is expected to dump significant snow across parts of Montana and Wyoming, with some higher elevations possibly seeing more than a foot by Thursday. The National Weather Service office in Billings has issued a winter storm warning for southern Montana and a winter weather advisory covering areas in both states.
Officials say the mix of snow, wind and changing temperatures could make travel difficult in mountain corridors and create rough conditions for backcountry recreation.
Winter Storm Warning Area
The warning runs from 6 p.m. Wednesday through 6 p.m. MDT Thursday for the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, including Cooke City. Forecasters expect the heaviest snow on north-facing slopes above 7,000 feet, where totals are projected to range from 8 to 13 inches.
Wind gusts could reach 30 mph, adding to blowing snow and limited visibility. The weather service said people headed into the high country should be prepared for quickly worsening conditions.
Advisory Covers Two States
A winter weather advisory is in place from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. MDT Thursday for the Pryor and Northern Bighorn Mountains in Montana and the Northeast Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, including areas near Burgess Junction and Story. Snowfall there is expected to range from 5 to 10 inches.
Officials said wind gusts up to 30 mph could make roads slippery and hazardous, especially during the morning and evening travel periods. U.S. Route 14 is among the roads that could see difficult driving conditions.
Rain And Thunderstorms
Lower elevations are expected to see rain and scattered thunderstorms as the cold front moves through the region. The weather service said the storms could bring gusty, erratic winds, small hail and brief downpours.
NWS Billings also noted that showery weather will spread south and east through the afternoon and evening as the front pushes through.
Cold Blast Elsewhere
Farther east, National Weather Service offices in the Great Lakes region have issued frost advisories and freeze warnings as colder air spreads across the area. Alerts cover northeast Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, with freeze warnings posted in Michigan.
Both the Montana and Wyoming alerts are set to expire by Thursday night. Officials are urging travelers to check road conditions, watch updated forecasts and carry basic emergency supplies if they head into remote areas.
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