Winter Storm Warning tonight

A powerful pacific winter storm system will spread heavy snow across the region late today through Saturday.  Snow will impact Western Montana this morning, spreading eastward through the day. Highs will be in the 30s to low 40s, with rain, or a rain/snow mix possible during the day. A cold front swings through the area this evening, and then we get serious about making some snow.

Temperatures will drop to the single digits above and below zero overnight, with colder wind chills.  Areas of gusty winds, especially east of Billings, will cause blowing snow and bitter wind chills.

Snow totals will vary from between 6 to 16 inches across Southern Montana, with a foot to two feet in the mountains.

The snow will start to pull out of Billings by late in the day Friday, but could linger snow showers in Eastern Montana through Saturday morning.  As the snow leaves, the cold will remain.

 Billings Forecast:

 Today: Rain and snow likely, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 38. West southwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming northeast in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

 Tonight: Snow. Low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -5. North northeast wind 13 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of around 6 inches.

 Friday: Snow. Temperature falling to around -1 by 5pm. Wind chill values as low as -20. North wind 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of around 3 inches.

 Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a temperature rising to around 7 by 2am. Wind chill values as low as -20. North wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

 Saturday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 13. West southwest wind around 10 mph.