We're all smoked out up here in the Flathead. What's going on? Same deal for Kelly in Glasgow. Then I looked out our studio windows in Billings- yep, looks like the whole state is smoked out.
Montana weather can be unpredictable, it's not too often that we have tornados here. So when it does happen, it's a huge deal and we should all be prepared.
"Aggressive river rise" due to several inches of rain is in store for counties in eastern Montana, with possible flooding through Friday night. Creeks, streams, and rivers are all at risk and residents should keep a close eye on powerful weather cells.
After a long Montana winter, most were ready for warmer temps, but were we ready for record-breaking temperatures already? For many of us, the answer is no.
The falling snow isn't supposed to last that long and the concern is mainly for higher elevations. But Tuesday night could get very messy with up to 5" of fresh snow and 45 MPH winds showing up for about 12 hours.
Damaging winds are forecasted for several Montana counties east of Glacier National Park with gusts up to 70 MPH. Travel could be impacted especially for taller vehicles, big trucks, and any towing units. Wide open roads may have debris flying across the road at times.
The Tobacco Root, Elkhorn, and Boulder Mountains are just a few ranges that could get absolutely pummeled with fresh snow by Thursday night. Other Montana mountains may only see 6" to 12" of fresh snow. This next storm is classic 'snow roulette'.
Saturday and Sunday will very unpleasant at times for Montana travel, especially through almost all of our mountain passes and high elevation in general. Heavy bands of snow combined with 50+ MPH winds are expected at times which will drop visibility to near zero. Conditions are going to fluctuate rapidly in dozens of Montana counties.
Avalanche danger is high in several locations of southwest Montana. Specifically the southern Gallatin and Madison ranges, and areas near Island Park. Continuous, heavy snow has increased the danger.
I was looking out our radio studio windows this morning, and I thought- this can't be good. Wet roads. Now snow. And a deep freeze right around the corner here in Montana.