A WINTER STORM WARNING has been issued for most of central and northern Montana through Saturday.
A WINTER STORM WATCH has been issued for northeast Montana.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY has been issued for Broadwater and Jefferson Counties.
An AREAL FLOOD ADVISORY continues for northern Phillips and Valley Counties for melting snow.
Remember winter? Well, it's back in a big way as one of the biggest storms of winter will hit on the last official weekend of the season. Significant snow, wind and dangerous cold returns to Montana starting on Friday. The real snow will increase first across the Rocky Mountain Front early in the morning with snow spreading south and east through the morning into the afternoon. Great Falls should have snow by late morning, Helena and Lewistown by afternoon or evening. Snow will fall at a moderate rate, north wind will increase up to 20mph, and temperatures will fall through the 10s and 20s into the 0s in some locations. Snow and wind will reduce visibility through Friday night and Saturday. Saturday will have harsh winter conditions with snow, wind and cold temperatures. Travel will be difficult, especially along the Hi-Line and the Rocky Mountain Front. Snow will taper off later on Saturday but areas of snow and slippery roads will continue into Sunday. Arctic high pressure could drop temperatures to between 0 and -20 on Saturday and Sunday nights. The combination of wind and cold could create wind chill values as low as -30. It's been a while since Montana has experienced a storm like this so please use caution and be prepared for harsh conditions if traveling or outside. High pressure will put an end to the snow later on Sunday with skies clearing out and snow moving out. The weather will quiet down and start warming up early next week. Another front could come through later on St. Patrick's Day into Wednesday.
Curtis Grevenitz
