Strong winds and heavy snow are producing blizzard-like conditions in Montana. Visibility is near zero in some areas due to significant blowing and drifting snow. The Montana Department of Transportation and several sheriffs offices throughout northern and central Montana are advising emergency travel only due to severe driving conditions and widespread road closures. Montana Disaster and Emergency Services advises if you or someone you know becomes stranded, stay with your vehicle and call 911.
Per the DOT – "Weather conditions are worsening across parts of Central and SW MT and limited travel is highly suggested. If you must travel, be prepared for possible emergencies, low visibility, and icy roads. You can keep up w/ road conditions at https://t.co/rUc3n8BeVl" #mtwx
— NWS Great Falls (@NWSGreatFalls) February 15, 2018
711pm Wed: Severe driving conditions are being reported over all of north-central Montana. Travel is strongly discouraged! Be prepared for impassable roads and road closures! You may not reach your destination in a reasonable amount of time! #mtwx
— NWS Great Falls (@NWSGreatFalls) February 15, 2018
@NWSGreatFalls @mikerawlins Streets in my subdivision near Choteau Ave, Great Falls are quickly drifting shut with very little visibility #mtwx pic.twitter.com/txBDIAJ70y
— Arin Peters (@arinpeters) February 15, 2018
Conditions have continued to worsen through the day and are not expected to improve until midday Thursday. Wind gusts to 45 mph are producing white out conditions, with drifts closing some roadways shut. Snowfall totals of 3″ to 9″ are expected in Montana.
Be safe if traveling on #US12 over #MacDonaldPass this evening. Chains are now required on towing units from the pass all the way to #Helena.
Pic on left is at the pass & right from a plow heading up to the pass.#MTwx pic.twitter.com/dVXMzV4UB6
— NWS Missoula (@NWSMissoula) February 15, 2018
Here is what wind gusts of 30-45 mph and falling snow will do to the visibility. Similar conditions are expected across parts of Central Montana at times this evening, possibly reaching as far south as Helena and White Sulphur Springs. #mtwx (image courtesy @mdtroadreport) pic.twitter.com/nZBAmQoMYE
— NWS Great Falls (@NWSGreatFalls) February 15, 2018
Winter weather alerts extended southward into the high country of Colorado. Up to a foot of new snow is possible in the highest elevations of the Rockies.
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels