Alert archive / Montana / Blizzard Warnings in 2025
Blizzard Warning 2, NWS Great Falls, MT
NWS Great Falls, MT issued this blizzard warning at Feb 19, 2025, 2:17 AM MST for Glacier County, Pondera County, Montana. It took effect at Feb 20, 2025, 5:00 AM MST. It was in force for 9 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named.
The facts
- Issued
- Feb 19, 2025, 2:17 AM MST (09:17 UTC)
- In effect from
- Feb 20, 2025, 5:00 AM MST
- Expired
- Feb 20, 2025, 1:37 PM MST
- In force
- 9 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Great Falls, MT
Counties Glacier County, MT, Pondera County, MT
The radar
The Great Falls radar (KTFX), 144 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 09:15 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
The nearest sounding before it
Great_falls, MT (KTFX), launched 00:00Z, 9.3 hours before the alert went out and 187 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 923 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 88 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 48 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 163 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
126 WWUS45 KTFX 190917 WSWTFX URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 217 AM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 MTZ301-302-200030- /O.UPG.KTFX.WS.A.0009.250220T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.BZ.W.0002.250220T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains- Including the following locations: Marias Pass, Heart Butte, Browning, Dupuyer, Logan Pass, Kiowa, East Glacier Park, Saint Mary, and Babb 217 AM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM THURSDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Ground blizzard conditions expected. Total new snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 70 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier National Park and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 5 AM Thursday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Significant reductions in visibility and the potential for impassable roadways due to blowing and drifting snow, most notably on US Hwy 2 and any road across the Blackfeet Nation. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While increasing temperatures are expected over the next couple days, which will ultimately limit the potential for blowing snow, there will be a window from Thursday morning through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ327-329-200030- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.250219T2100Z-250220T1500Z/ Northwest Beaverhead County-Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains- Including the following locations: Dewey, Wise River, Wisdom, Monida Pass, Big Hole Pass, and Chief Joseph Pass 217 AM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 AM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches at lower elevations, with up to 5 inches at and above pass level. * WHERE...Northwest Beaverhead County and Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains. * WHEN...From 2 PM this afternoon to 8 AM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Plan on winter driving conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. To see a graphical representation of the degree of stress on young livestock please visit our webpage and select Local Programs then Cold Air Advisory for Newborn Livestock. && $$ MTZ330-200030- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.250220T0000Z-250220T1900Z/ Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains- Including the following locations: Raynolds Pass, West Yellowstone, Targhee Pass, and Big Sky 217 AM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO NOON MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches at lower elevations, with 3 to 6 inches at and above pass level. * WHERE...Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to noon MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Plan on winter driving conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. To see a graphical representation of the degree of stress on young livestock please visit our webpage and select Local Programs then Cold Air Advisory for Newborn Livestock. && $$ MTZ307-308-200030- /O.CON.KTFX.WS.A.0009.250220T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Choteau, Rogers Pass, Pendroy, and Bynum 217 AM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Ground blizzard conditions possible. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...Southern Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From late tonight through late Friday night. * IMPACTS...Significant reductions in visibility and the potential for impassable roadways due to blowing and drifting snow, most notably on US Hwy 89 along the Rocky Mountain Front. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Southwest to westerly winds will begin to increase along the Rocky Mountain Front by Thursday morning and remain strong and gusty through the remainder of the work week and into the weekend. While these winds will bring increasing temperatures, which will ultimately limit the blowing and drifting snow, there will be a window from Thursday morning through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Prepare for possible blizzard conditions. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Remember, a Winter Storm Watch for blizzard conditions means that there is at least a 50% chance of seeing blizzard conditions for at least 3 hours during the watch period. && $$ MTZ303-200030- /O.CON.KTFX.WS.A.0009.250221T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Ethridge, Cut Bank, and Santa Rita 217 AM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Ground blizzard conditions possible. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From Thursday afternoon through late Friday night. * IMPACTS...Significant reductions in visibility and the potential for roadway blockages due to blowing and drifting snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Southwest to westerly winds will begin to increase along the Rocky Mountain Front by Thursday morning and remain strong and gusty through the remainder of the work week and into the weekend. While these winds will bring increasing temperatures, which will ultimately limit the blowing and drifting snow, there will be a window from Thursday morning through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Prepare for possible blizzard conditions. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. To see a graphical representation of the degree of stress on young livestock please visit our webpage and select Local Programs then Cold Air Advisory for Newborn Livestock. Remember, a Winter Storm Watch for blizzard conditions means that there is at least a 50% chance of seeing blizzard conditions for at least 3 hours during the watch period. && $$ Glinskas
5 follow-up statements
241 WWUS45 KTFX 192026 WSWTFX URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 126 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 MTZ301-302-201200- /O.CON.KTFX.BZ.W.0002.250220T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains- Including the following locations: Heart Butte, Marias Pass, Babb, Dupuyer, Browning, East Glacier Park, Logan Pass, Kiowa, and Saint Mary 126 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM THURSDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Ground blizzard conditions expected. Total new snow accumulations up to one inch near the Continental Divide. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier National Park and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 5 AM Thursday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Significant reductions in visibility and the potential for impassable roadways due to blowing and drifting snow, most notably on US Hwy 2 and any road across the Blackfeet Nation. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While increasing temperatures are expected over the next couple days, which will ultimately limit the potential for blowing snow, there will be a window from Thursday morning through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ303-201200- /O.UPG.KTFX.WS.A.0009.250221T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.WW.Y.0021.250221T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Cut Bank, Santa Rita, and Ethridge 126 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THURSDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM Thursday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create some reductions in visibility and the potential for partial roadway blockages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Southwest to westerly winds will begin to increase along the Rocky Mountain Front by Thursday morning and remain strong and gusty through the remainder of the work week and into the weekend. While these winds will bring increasing temperatures, which will ultimately limit the blowing and drifting snow, there will be a window from Thursday morning through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ307-308-201200- /O.UPG.KTFX.WS.A.0009.250220T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ /O.EXB.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.250220T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Pendroy, Rogers Pass, Bynum, and Choteau 126 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM THURSDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Southern Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 5 AM Thursday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create some reductions in visibility and the potential for partial roadway blockages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Southwest to westerly winds will begin to increase along the Rocky Mountain Front by Thursday morning and remain strong and gusty through the remainder of the work week and into the weekend. While these winds will bring increasing temperatures, which will ultimately limit the blowing and drifting snow, there will be a window from Thursday morning through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ327-329-201200- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.250219T2100Z-250220T1500Z/ Northwest Beaverhead County-Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains- Including the following locations: Dewey, Chief Joseph Pass, Big Hole Pass, Monida Pass, Wisdom, and Wise River 126 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches. * WHERE...Northwest Beaverhead County and Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains. * WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Plan on winter driving conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. To see a graphical representation of the degree of stress on young livestock please visit our webpage and select Local Programs then Cold Air Advisory for Newborn Livestock. && $$ MTZ330-201200- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.250220T0000Z-250220T1900Z/ Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains- Including the following locations: West Yellowstone, Targhee Pass, Big Sky, and Raynolds Pass 126 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO NOON MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches. * WHERE...Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to noon MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Plan on winter driving conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. To see a graphical representation of the degree of stress on young livestock please visit our webpage and select Local Programs then Cold Air Advisory for Newborn Livestock. && $$ Hoenisch
169 WWUS45 KTFX 200055 WSWTFX URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 555 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 MTZ301-302-201230- /O.CON.KTFX.BZ.W.0002.250220T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains- Including the following locations: Saint Mary, Marias Pass, Kiowa, Babb, Logan Pass, Heart Butte, Browning, East Glacier Park, and Dupuyer 555 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM THURSDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Ground blizzard conditions expected. Total new snow accumulations up to one inch near the Continental Divide. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier National Park and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 5 AM Thursday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Significant reductions in visibility and the potential for impassable roadways due to blowing and drifting snow, most notably on US Hwy 2 and any road across the Blackfeet Nation. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While increasing temperatures are expected over the next couple days, which will ultimately limit the potential for blowing snow, there will be a window from Thursday morning through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ313-314-318-201200- /O.EXB.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250220T1200Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft- Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Hobson, Windham, Geyser, Stanford, Moccasin, Hilger, Lewistown, Benchland, and Raynesford 555 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Snowy and Judith Mountains, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create some reductions in visibility and the potential for slippery roads and partial roadway blockages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. To see a graphical representation of the degree of stress on young livestock please visit our webpage and select Local Programs then Cold Air Advisory for Newborn Livestock. && $$ MTZ327-329-201230- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250220T1500Z/ Northwest Beaverhead County-Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains- Including the following locations: Big Hole Pass, Wisdom, Chief Joseph Pass, Wise River, Monida Pass, and Dewey 555 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches at lower elevations, with up to 5 inches at and above pass level. * WHERE...Northwest Beaverhead County and Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains. * WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Plan on winter driving conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. To see a graphical representation of the degree of stress on young livestock please visit our webpage and select Local Programs then Cold Air Advisory for Newborn Livestock. && $$ MTZ330-201230- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250220T1900Z/ Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains- Including the following locations: West Yellowstone, Big Sky, Raynolds Pass, and Targhee Pass 555 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches. * WHERE...Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains. * WHEN...Until noon MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Plan on winter driving conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. To see a graphical representation of the degree of stress on young livestock please visit our webpage and select Local Programs then Cold Air Advisory for Newborn Livestock. && $$ MTZ307-308-201230- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.250220T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Bynum, Rogers Pass, Choteau, and Pendroy 555 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM THURSDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Southern Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 5 AM Thursday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create some reductions in visibility and the potential for partial roadway blockages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Southwest to westerly winds will begin to increase along the Rocky Mountain Front by Thursday morning and remain strong and gusty through the remainder of the work week and into the weekend. While these winds will bring increasing temperatures, which will ultimately limit the blowing and drifting snow, there will be a window from Thursday morning through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ303-201230- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0021.250221T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Ethridge, Cut Bank, and Santa Rita 555 PM MST Wed Feb 19 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THURSDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM Thursday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create some reductions in visibility and the potential for slippery roads and partial roadway blockages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Southwest to westerly winds will begin to increase along the Rocky Mountain Front by Thursday morning and remain strong and gusty through the remainder of the work week and into the weekend. While these winds will bring increasing temperatures, which will ultimately limit the blowing and drifting snow, there will be a window from Thursday morning through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ RG
080 WWUS45 KTFX 200839 WSWTFX URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 139 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 MTZ313-210015- /O.CAN.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250220T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.WW.Y.0022.250221T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Raynesford, Windham, Hobson, Benchland, Stanford, Geyser, and Moccasin 139 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 5 AM Friday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ314-318-200945- /O.CAN.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250220T1200Z/ Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Hilger and Lewistown 139 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... Gusty southerly winds have decreased during the overnight hours, which is expected to limit the threat for widespread blowing and drifting snow. Travelers are still urged to exercise caution as localized areas of reduced visibility will remain possible, especially in low lying areas, along with partial lane blockages. $$ MTZ301-302-210015- /O.CON.KTFX.BZ.W.0002.250220T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains- Including the following locations: Heart Butte, Babb, Kiowa, Browning, Saint Mary, Logan Pass, Dupuyer, East Glacier Park, and Marias Pass 139 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM EARLY THIS MORNING TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Ground blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations up to two inches near the Continental Divide. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier National Park and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 5 AM early this morning to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Significant reductions in visibility and the potential for impassable roadways due to blowing and drifting snow; most notably on US Hwy 2 west of Meriwether, US Hwy 89 north of the Montana Hwy 44 junction, and on any road across the Blackfeet Nation. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While increasing temperatures are expected over the next couple days, which will ultimately limit the potential for blowing snow, there will be a window through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ312-210015- /O.EXB.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.250221T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft- Including the following locations: Great Falls 139 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft. * WHEN...From 5 AM Friday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ327-329-201500- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250220T1500Z/ Northwest Beaverhead County-Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains- Including the following locations: Wise River, Big Hole Pass, Chief Joseph Pass, Wisdom, Dewey, and Monida Pass 139 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MST THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. * WHERE...Northwest Beaverhead County and Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains. * WHEN...Until 8 AM MST this morning. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ330-201900- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250220T1900Z/ Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains- Including the following locations: West Yellowstone, Big Sky, Raynolds Pass, and Targhee Pass 139 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MST TODAY... * WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches. * WHERE...Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains. * WHEN...Until noon MST today. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ307-308-210015- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.250220T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Choteau, Rogers Pass, Pendroy, and Bynum 139 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM EARLY THIS MORNING TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Southern Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 5 AM early this morning to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Southwest to westerly winds will begin to increase along the Rocky Mountain Front by this morning and remain strong and gusty through the remainder of the work week and into the weekend. While these winds will bring increasing temperatures, which will ultimately limit the blowing and drifting snow, there will be a window through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ303-210015- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0021.250221T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Ethridge, Santa Rita, and Cut Bank 139 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Southwest to westerly winds will begin to increase along the Rocky Mountain Front by this morning and remain strong and gusty through the remainder of the work week and into the weekend. While these winds will bring increasing temperatures, which will ultimately limit the blowing and drifting snow, there will be a window through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ Moldan
658 WWUS45 KTFX 201440 WSWTFX URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 740 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 MTZ330-201545- /O.CAN.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250220T1900Z/ Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains- Including the following locations: Raynolds Pass, Targhee Pass, West Yellowstone, and Big Sky 740 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... Snow is ending this morning with little or no additional accumulation expected. $$ MTZ327-329-201545- /O.EXP.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250220T1500Z/ Northwest Beaverhead County-Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains- Including the following locations: Dewey, Chief Joseph Pass, Wisdom, Wise River, Big Hole Pass, and Monida Pass 740 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 8 AM MST THIS MORNING... Snow is ending this morning with little or no additional accumulation expected. $$ MTZ301-302-210000- /O.CON.KTFX.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains- Including the following locations: Browning, East Glacier Park, Babb, Marias Pass, Heart Butte, Kiowa, Saint Mary, Dupuyer, and Logan Pass 740 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Ground blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations up to two inches near the Continental Divide. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier National Park and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Significant reductions in visibility and the potential for impassable roadways due to blowing and drifting snow; most notably on US Hwy 2 west of Meriwether, US Hwy 89 north of the Montana Hwy 44 junction, and on any road across the Blackfeet Nation. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While increasing temperatures are expected over the next couple days, which will ultimately limit the potential for blowing snow, there will be a window through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ307-308-210000- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Pendroy, Rogers Pass, Bynum, and Choteau 740 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Southern Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Southwest to westerly winds will begin to increase along the Rocky Mountain Front by this morning and remain strong and gusty through the remainder of the work week and into the weekend. While these winds will bring increasing temperatures, which will ultimately limit the blowing and drifting snow, there will be a window through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ303-210000- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0021.250221T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Cut Bank, Santa Rita, and Ethridge 740 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Southwest to westerly winds will begin to increase along the Rocky Mountain Front by this morning and remain strong and gusty through the remainder of the work week and into the weekend. While these winds will bring increasing temperatures, which will ultimately limit the blowing and drifting snow, there will be a window through Saturday morning for significant blowing and drifting of the current snowpack before temperatures warm sufficiently to limit the blowing and drifting. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ312-210000- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.250221T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft- Including the following locations: Great Falls 740 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft. * WHEN...From 5 AM Friday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ313-210000- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0022.250221T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Benchland, Hobson, Moccasin, Geyser, Raynesford, Stanford, and Windham 740 AM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 5 AM Friday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ Hoenisch
268 WWUS45 KTFX 202037 WSWTFX URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 137 PM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 MTZ301-302-211145- /O.CAN.KTFX.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ /O.EXA.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains- Including the following locations: Browning, East Glacier Park, Babb, Marias Pass, Heart Butte, Kiowa, Saint Mary, Dupuyer, and Logan Pass 137 PM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST SATURDAY... ...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting expected with localized ground blizzard conditions possible. Total snow accumulations up to two inches near the Continental Divide. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph through tonight and as high as 65 mph Friday. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier National Park and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Reductions in visibility and the potential for blocked lanes on roadways due to blowing and drifting snow is most notably on US Hwy 2 west of Meriwether, US Hwy 89 north of the Montana Hwy 44 junction, and on any road across the Blackfeet Nation. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Increasing temperatures expected over the next few days will eventually limit the potential for blowing snow despite increasing winds, however there remains some potential for significant localized blowing and drifting snow impacts until the current snowpack temperatures warm sufficiently. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ307-308-211145- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.000000T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Pendroy, Rogers Pass, Bynum, and Choteau 137 PM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...Southern Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ303-211145- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0021.250221T0000Z-250222T1200Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Cut Bank, Santa Rita, and Ethridge 137 PM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ312-211145- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0020.250221T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft- Including the following locations: Great Falls 137 PM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft. * WHEN...From 5 AM Friday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ MTZ313-211145- /O.CON.KTFX.WW.Y.0022.250221T1200Z-250222T1200Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Benchland, Hobson, Moccasin, Geyser, Raynesford, Stanford, and Windham 137 PM MST Thu Feb 20 2025 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Blowing and drifting snow expected. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 5 AM Friday to 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Blowing and drifting snow will create reductions in visibility, potential for slippery roads, and partial roadway blockages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or visiting the MDT Road Report website. && $$ Hoenisch
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this blizzard warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Great Falls, MT wrote its last area forecast discussion before this blizzard warning went out at Feb 18, 9:43 PM MST, 4 hours 34 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Impactful snow diminishes through the evening across Southwest and Central Montana.
- Cold tonight, especially over the plains.
- Another round of snow for Southwest Montana Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.
- Breezy period develops late week over the plains, raising concerns for periods of blowing snow before temperatures increase well above freezing this weekend with even windier conditions developing.
Area forecast discussion, Feb 18, 9:43 PM MST, 4 hours 34 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Great Falls MT 943 PM MST Tue Feb 18 2025 Aviation Section Updated. .KEY MESSAGES... - Impactful snow diminishes through the evening across Southwest and Central Montana. - Cold tonight, especially over the plains. - Another round of snow for Southwest Montana Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. - Breezy period develops late week over the plains, raising concerns for periods of blowing snow before temperatures increase well above freezing this weekend with even windier conditions developing. && .UPDATE... /Issued 821 PM MST Tue Feb 18 2025/ Light snow over Southwest Montana will continue to diminish, become more localized in nature, and eventually end heading into the overnight hours. With this in mind, the winter weather advisories were allowed to expire at 7 pm. Scattered to broken clouds will remain anchored over these areas for much of the night and may be replaced by some patchy fog once things do clear out late tonight into Wednesday morning. There will also be some patchy fog concerns over the plains, but light easterly winds should limit coverage and overall impacts. Temperatures have begin to sharply drop off this evening in areas observing clear skies this evening. I did upgrade the cold weather advisory to an extreme cold warning for the Cascade County lower elevations and the Southern Rocky Mountain Front high plains zones. Even though winds are rather light, 4 to 8 mph winds were already pushing wind chills down to the 35 to 40 below range. Forecast low temperatures from the afternoon package look reasonably well, so no changes were made. Just note a lot of places in Central/North- central Montana will either approach or even fall below the -30F mark. No other significant changes were made to the forecast outside of adjusting pops over the southwest for the remainder of the night. - RCG && .DISCUSSION... /Issued 147 PM MST Tue Feb 18 2025/ - Meteorological Overview: An upper level wave pivoting southeastward through Montana will exit this evening, allowing for a brief period of shortwave ridging tonight into tomorrow morning. Generally light snow and minor impacts will slowly subside across Central and Southwest Montana through the evening. Attention then turns to the cold overnight temperatures, mainly across the plains where Extreme Cold Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories remain in effect. At least partially clearing skies will aid in ambient temperatures falling well into the 20s below zero across most of the plains, with -30s likely in cold prone areas. The next wave of snow arrives Wednesday afternoon across Southwest Montana as an upper level trough approaching from the west begins to advect moisture in aloft with the push of warmer air. Impacts from snow Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning look to primarily be across Southwest Montana, but stretch into portions of Central Montana as well. Zonal flow develops after this going into Thursday onward, which favors increased winds and a warm up for the region. At the onset of winds there is a concern for blowing and drifting snow along the Rocky Mountain Front where a Winter Storm Watch for ground blizzard conditions remains in effect. An upper level ridge attempts to build in toward the weekend into early next week, but shortwaves cascading across the top of the ridge will keep the pattern active. The largest concern at this time will be for strong winds and gusts developing across the plains, especially along the Rocky Mountain Front. Heading into the weekend temperatures warm significantly, with overnight lows largely near or above freezing on the plains and daytime highs well into the 40s if not 50s. Although a significant snowpack will still be around coinciding with the period of stronger winds, the fact that the snow will experience significant melting on the plains limits significant concern for blowing snow at this time. Trends will continue to be monitored for changes in thinking. -AM - Forecast Confidence & Scenarios: Temperatures Tonight: Forecast temperatures tonight will closely follow cloud cover trends. There looks to be enough cloud cover across Central and Southwest Montana valleys to limit cooling compared to the plains. If clouds clear out early across SOuthwest and Central Montana, temperatures are likely to fall much lower than presently forecast in these areas. Snow Wednesday and Wednesday Night: There is quite a bit of spread in solutions for the next wave of snow Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, primarily at lower elevations in Southwest Montana. There is enough confidence in minor impacts at and above pass level south of I-90 to warrant a Winter Weather Advisory, with confidence too low at lower elevations at this point to warrant an advisory there. Blowing Snow: Confidence has not changed with respect to the opportunity for significant reductions to visibility along the Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent plains for Thursday into Friday. Hence, the Winter Storm Watch for ground blizzard conditions remains in effect. Wind and Temps This Weekend: The chance for high wind criteria being met along the Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent plains continues to run in excess of 70% this weekend. If these trends continue, a High Wind Watch will become necessary soon. The chance for a high of 50F or greater across the plains is largely in excess of 20% Sunday, with locations such as Great Falls and Havre having around a 50% chance of 50F or greater. -AM && .AVIATION... 19/06Z TAF Period Scattered to broken stratus may remain in place until around 19/10 to 19/12Z. Expect mostly MVFR or low VFR cigs under this cloud deck, except lower at times for KEKS. Once the clouds do clear out, the potential for patchy fog development increases for the wind protected central and southwest valleys Wednesday morning. Portions of the North-central plains will also see potential fog development tonight and early Wednesday, mostly between 19/09 and 19/18Z. Note that any dense fog that develops Wednesday morning may linger into the afternoon hours due to transient ridging moving into the region. The southwest valleys will be most susceptible to this longer term fog, but confidence in the scenario is low at this time. Overall, there is still less than a 30% chance for widespread visibility reductions less than a mile for most locations. Otherwise, mostly VFR conditions are expected during the day on Wednesday before another weather system brings an area of light snow into Central/Southwest Montana near or shortly after 20/00Z. - RCG Refer to weather.gov/zlc for more detailed regional aviation weather and hazard information. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... GTF -27 0 -3 38 / 10 0 20 10 CTB -28 -4 -8 36 / 10 0 10 0 HLN -12 15 15 30 / 20 0 50 20 BZN -14 11 11 20 / 40 0 60 30 WYS -2 25 14 28 / 50 20 90 50 DLN 3 26 19 31 / 20 20 70 10 HVR -36 -7 -13 16 / 10 0 10 10 LWT -21 18 2 37 / 10 0 10 10 && .TFX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Extreme Cold Warning until noon MST Wednesday for Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Cascade County below 5000ft- Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton-Eastern Toole and Liberty-Fergus County below 4500ft-Hill County-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Northern Blaine County-Northern High Plains-Southern High Plains-Western and Central Chouteau County. Winter Storm Watch from late Wednesday night through late Friday night for East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front. Cold Weather Advisory until noon MST Wednesday for Meagher County Valleys-Snowy and Judith Mountains. Winter Weather Advisory from 5 PM Wednesday to noon MST Thursday for Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains. Winter Storm Watch from Thursday afternoon through late Friday night for Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera. Winter Weather Advisory from 2 PM Wednesday to 8 AM MST Thursday for Northwest Beaverhead County-Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains. && http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
In the hours before
Local storm report, Feb 18, 9:47 PM MST, 4 hours 30 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
947 PM MST Tue Feb 18 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0500 PM Snow 2 ENE Helena 46.60N 111.99W
02/18/2025 M0.9 Inch Lewis and Clark MT ASOS
24 hour snowfall at Helena Regional Airport.
Station Elevation: 3864 ft.
&&
SACLocal storm report, Feb 18, 9:50 PM MST, 4 hours 27 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
950 PM MST Tue Feb 18 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0330 PM Snow 6 ENE Mcallister 45.49N 111.63W
02/18/2025 M1.0 Inch Madison MT Trained Spotter
24 hour snowfall. Station Elevation: 4745
ft.
&&
SACLocal storm report, Feb 18, 10:33 PM MST, 3 hours 44 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1033 PM MST Tue Feb 18 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0930 PM Extreme Cold 6 N Choteau 47.90N 112.16W
02/18/2025 M-35 F Teton MT Mesonet
Mesonet station TRFM Teton River - Agrimet.
Ambient temperature.
&&
MoldanLocal storm report, Feb 18, 10:44 PM MST, 3 hours 33 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1044 PM MST Tue Feb 18 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0800 PM Extreme Cold 6 N Choteau 47.90N 112.16W
02/18/2025 M-43 F Teton MT Mesonet
Mesonet station TRFM Teton River - Agrimet.
&&
MoldanLocal storm report, Feb 18, 10:45 PM MST, 3 hours 32 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1045 PM MST Tue Feb 18 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0915 PM Extreme Cold 4 E Cascade 47.28N 111.62W
02/18/2025 M-44 F Cascade MT Mesonet
Mesonet station MTM76 Cascade E Mda. Wind
Chill.
&&
MoldanLocal storm report, Feb 19, 12:05 AM MST, 2 hours 12 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1205 AM MST Wed Feb 19 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1200 AM Snow 1 SW Helena 46.58N 112.04W
02/19/2025 M9.0 Inch Lewis and Clark MT Trained Spotter
Total snowfall since Friday.
&&
MoldanThe office that day
Everything else NWS Great Falls, MT issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 19, 11:36 AM MST | Cold Weather Advisory | TFX | Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau, Glacier, Hill, Lewis and Clark and 4 more | 21 hr |
| Feb 19, 1:26 PM MST | Winter Weather Advisory | TFX | Glacier, Pondera, Toole | 44 hr |
Nearby
Blizzard Warnings in Montana, 2025Every blizzard warning in 2025
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.