A WINTER STORM WARNING continues for elevations above 5,500' in Lewis and Clark, Madison, Jefferson, Broadwater, Meagher, Gallatin, Beaverhead, Cascade and Judith Basin Counties.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY continues for elevations below 5,500' in Lewis and Clark, Madison, Jefferson, Broadwater, Meagher, Gallatin, Beaverhead, Cascade and Judith Basin Counties.
A funky snowstorm continues to be affected by the Continental Divide, with snow piling up in the mountains and far east of the Divide, but areas just adjacent to the Divide on the east side have been "shadowed". Townsend for example has seen between 4-10" of snow in that area, while the Helena Valley saw nothing more than a dusting. This has to do with downsloping winds coming from the west-northwest off of the Divide. Areas of snow will continue tonight into Friday. The worst travel conditions will be Friday morning when there will be widespread snow covering the roads. Once again there should be some lighter snows just east of the Divide, with more snow in the mountains and even the lower elevations farther east from the Divide. Snow will wind down through the day with cleaner streets by afternoon and evening. Wind over the mountain passes will create drifting snow throughout the day. Saturday, another powerful low pressure will move right across Montana with snow and wind. While the snow totals won't be as significant, healthy snowfall rates and gusty wind will make for another potent storm. Travel conditions may be worse with reduced visibility. Sunday will be a sunny but chilly day. Another round of snow showers will move through Sunday night into Monday morning. An arctic front with snow is likely to hit Montana late Tuesday into Wednesday. Harsh winter conditions with subzero temperatures are possible from midweek on.
Curtis Grevenitz
