BOZEMAN – A strong cold front is passing through Montana as expected this afternoon producing strong surface winds, scattered valley rain, and higher mountain snow. Strongest wind gusts for SW Montana will hit between noon and midnight tonight. Most areas could see gusts 30 to 40 mph but high wind prone areas could see gusts over 50 mph.
The National Weather Service has a variety of wind and winter weather highlights issued this afternoon into Wednesday morning.
WIND ADVISORY
The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory for the Butte/Blackfoot region through 9 pm Tuesday. Sustained wind 15 to 25 mph and gusting between 30 to 50 mph at times with the cold front moving through this evening.
Area of greatest concern is along I-90 west of Butte through Deer Lodge. I-90 runs North/South in this region and with strong westerly wind gusts this will produce hazardous crosswinds for high profile vehicles.
The Livingston area is also under a Wind Advisory through 9 pm Tuesday. Sustained wind 35 to 45 mph and gusts 45 to 60 + mph is likely. If the wind gusts create a danger for travelers on I-90, another crosswind area, the interstate could be closed, and you will be detoured through Livingston.
HIGH WIND WARNING
The National Weather Service has also issued a HIGH WIND WARNING from Big Timber to Great Falls up along the Rocky mountain front through 7 pm tonight.
Strong westerly winds will create hazardous travel impacts for high profile vehicles on I-15 and secondary highways. Sustained winds 35 to 45 mph and gusts 40 to 60 mph is likely.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for central Montana for Cascade, Judith Basin, and Meagher counties through Noon Wednesday.
Snow accumulations: 1”-3” for lower valleys and 4”-8” for mountains and passes.
Strong wind gusts along with snow will create hazardous travel impacts tonight.
