BOZEMAN – Strong westerly flow due to the Polar Jet Stream will impact Montana tonight into Wednesday. A pacific storm with ample moisture will bring increasing mountain snow to the western half of the state. Favored upslope areas along the MT/ID state line could see moderate to heavy snow showers over the next 24 hours.
Downsloping will dry the atmosphere east of the Rocky mountain front producing strong to damaging wind gusts from Cut Bank to Livingston. Peak gusts 60 to 75 mph are possible.
SW Montana will see a both periods of snow and localized strong gusty winds. Mountain passes have the best chance for snow accumulations especially those that are close the MT/ID state line. Please be prepared for harsh wintry travel conditions over the next 24 to 36 hours.
Lower valleys could see a rain/snow mix with a few isolated areas of freezing rain Wednesday morning into Wednesday afternoon.
WINTER WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS
The National Weather Service has a Winter Weather Advisory up for most of Western and SW Montana from 6 pm Tuesday through 5 am Thursday morning.
NWS snowfall forecast: Valleys 1” – 3” are possible, mountain passes 4” – 8”, higher mountain peaks 7” – 12” of snow is likely.
Wind gusts 30 to 40 mph are also possible and could produce areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility.
HIGH WIND HIGHLIGHTS
The National Weather Service has a HIGH WIND WARNING up along the Rocky mountain front and adjacent plains down into the Upper Yellowstone region including Livingston, now through 6 pm Wednesday.
Sustained wind 20 to 40 mph is likely tonight through Wednesday evening. Gusts 60 to 70 mph are possible and peak gusts up to 75 mph are possible.
MDT has closed I-90 for high profile vehicles Tuesday afternoon and detour through Livingston to bypass a dangerous crosswind area.
