BUTTE – 2 storm systems will impact travel across Montana, Idaho and Wyoming through Thursday. The first system is the weaker of the 2 storms and that is currently passing through producing a quick shot of snow Monday evening and localized gusty winds.
The second storm system is much stronger and will bring bigger travel concerns Tuesday evening through Thursday morning.
Periods of snow and stronger surface winds could produce hazardous travel Wednesday. Hardest hit areas will along the Rocky mountain front and in the upper Yellowstone valley near Livingston. Wind gusts over 60 mph are possible.
Hardest hit areas for snow should be along the MT/ID state line Tuesday through Wednesday. Lookout, Lolo and Lost Trail passes for example could see a foot or more of snow along with wind gusts over 30 mph creating difficult to hazardous travel.
The National Weather Service has a WINTER STORM WATCH up for most of Western Montana Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon. This will be upgraded in the next 24 hours.
Mountain passes could see up to or over a foot of snow and gusty winds over 30 mph.
SW Montana will see periods of snow Monday evening with light accumulations mostly over mountain passes. The second storm system will bring a better chance for snow and wind Wednesday. Snow accumulations are likely and hardest hit areas will above 6,000′, however, most valleys will see periods of snow and wind so be prepared for slow go travel with snow covered and icy roads and localized blowing snow Wednesday.
Livingston to Big Timber is under a HIGH WIND WATCH Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon.
Wind gusts over 60 mph are possible and there could be periods of snow at times along with these gusty winds producing hazardous travel impacts Wednesday.
City by City Forecast:
BOZEMAN: LOW: 16°; HIGH TUESDAY: 34°. Weak cold front to produce scattered snow and windy weather between 4 pm and midnight for Bozeman. Snow accumulations should be light but roads could become icy by Tuesday morning. Skies will clear by sunrise Tuesday. Next weather maker will move in Tuesday night.
BUTTE: LOW: 10°; HIGH TUESDAY: 32°. A quick shot of snow is likely for Butte between 4 pm and 8 pm as a cold front passes through producing light snow and gusty winds. Skies will clear after midnight. Next cold front will bring a better chance for snow and stronger surface winds Wednesday.
DILLON: LOW: 13°; HIGH TUESDAY: 32°. Cold front will pass over Dillon between 4 pm and midnight producing scattered snow and wind. Skies should clear after midnight. Next front will bring a better chance for snow and stronger surface winds on Wednesday.
WEST YELLOWSTONE: LOW: 8°; HIGH TUESDAY: 22°. Scattered snow and wind is likely as a pacific storm system digs into West Yellowstone overnight. Tuesday we will be between storms but more snow and stronger winds are likely Tuesday evening and throughout the day on Wednesday. Less than 1″ is likely Monday evening but 2″ – 4″ or more is possible Wednesday. Wind gusts to 35 mph are possible Tuesday night into Wednesday and localized blowing snow is possible.
