While snow is looking increasingly likely for Christmas, there’s currently a big storm that’s hitting the state with wind and the mountains with snow. A HIGH WIND WARNING is in effect for most of central Montana through Wednesday afternoon. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY has been issued for the mountains along and west of the Continental Divide. A big storm is moving into the state with a variety of weather issues. Widespread wind will be felt throughout the state. This wind has been very powerful with gusts topping 50mph in most locations. Areas off of the Rocky Mountain Front has gusted between 65-73mph. Wind of this strength could create power outages but will certainly make for difficult driving conditions. A combination of snow and wind will complicate driving over mountain passes tonight into Wednesday. Marias Pass and Lookout Pass will have the worst conditions for travelers. Rogers and MacDonald Passes have also picked up several inches of slushy snow. At times, a few mixed rain and snow showers will come down east of the Continental Divide but precipitation will really be limited. Wednesday will have a few snow showers in the morning, otherwise it will be partly cloudy and very windy. The entire state will have strong wind throughout Wednesday. Thursday will be a calmer day with partly cloudy skies. The final day of fall will also be fairly mild with highs in the 40s and 50s. The first official day of winter is Friday, and there will be snow showers in the western and southern areas of the state. Highs will be much colder with a strong wind creating wind chills in the 10s and 20s. It will not be the coldest start to winter ever but it will feel like it. A few snow showers are possible on Sunday, but Christmas Eve and Christmas Day could have some snow making for a White Christmas!
Have a great day.
Curtis Grevenitz
