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Blowing Snow Becoming a Big Issue

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Posted at 5:59 PM, Feb 18, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-18 21:02:58-05

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for the Rocky Mountain Front out through Cascade and Judith Basin Counties through Friday for blowing snow.
A HIGH WIND WATCH has been issued for the Rocky Mountain Front, Cascade and Judith Basin Counties for Sunday into Monday.

Much of Montana is covered by a blanket of dry, fluffy snow. As wind increases through the weekend, blowing snow will become a major issue for travelers. Friday's wind will be strong but not nearly as strong as later in the weekend and on Monday. Friday will have areas of blowing snow over mountain passes, along the Rocky Mountain Front, on I-15 north of Great Falls, and from Great Falls through Belt and Geyser. Blowing snow will reduce visibility, obstruct some road surfaces, and create slippery spots where plows have already cleared. Wind gusts could top out around 55-65mph in these areas. Elsewhere it will be a breezy day but not as strong. Snow showers will fly mainly over and near the mountains. Highs will be in the 30s to low 40s. Skies will be mostly sunny over the plains. Saturday will be another partly cloudy to mostly sunny day. Wind speeds will be strongest again off of the Rocky Mountain Front and over the central part of the state. Highs will be in the 30s to near 40. A few snow showers will move across the mountains. Sunday is when the wind really ramps up. Gusts will top 80mph off of the Rocky Mountain Front. Blowing snow will be an issued once again. High temperatures will be warmer, reaching the 40s across most of the lower elevations. Stronger wind will be felt across most of the state from Sunday night through Monday. Monday will be mostly cloudy and mild with highs in the 40s to around 50. Strong wind will gust up over 50-60mph for many towns. A cold front will move through Monday night and Tuesday with strong wind and a mix of rain and snow. Temperatures will be colder by Tuesday afternoon. Some snow accumulation of a couple inches are possible in the lower elevations. Snow showers and colder temperatures in the 10s and 20s are likely for Wednesday.
Have a great day!
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief Meteorologist