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Snow and wind to produce wintry travel conditions Thursday night through Friday night

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Posted at 1:26 PM, Feb 25, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-25 15:26:34-05

BOZEMAN – The combination of a strong Polar Jet Stream and a Pacific cold front is creating another round of wind and snow across Montana Thursday evening through Saturday morning.

A steady stream of moisture will produce areas of moderate to heavy mountain snow in Idaho and western Montana. Mountain passes have the best chance for accumulations and most lower valleys should see light amounts of snow Thursday evening through Friday evening.

Be prepared for slow-go travel conditions especially at pass level for your Friday morning and evening commutes.

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The National Weather Service issued a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY for southern Beaverhead, Madison, and Gallatin counties through 9 pm Friday.

Areas impacted: Bozeman Pass, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Raynolds Pass, and Targhee Pass.

Snow accumulations around 3”-6” is likely along with gusty winds at times producing periods of blowing snow.

A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect from Missoula to Spokane, WA through 5 pm Friday.

Lookout Pass could see 10”-16” of snow with 3”-6” for lower elevations along I-90 near Missoula.

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The National Weather Service continues a HIGH WIND WARNING along the Rocky Mountain Front down into the Upper Yellowstone region through Friday afternoon.

Peak wind gusts up to or over 60 mph are possible. Dangerous crosswinds will impact travel on I-90 near Livingston to Big Timber especially for high profile vehicles.

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Most of SW Montana will likely see wind gusts around 20 to 30 mph at times Thursday evening through Friday evening. High wind prone areas could see stronger gusts around Whitehall, Twin Bridges, Three Forks, Ennis, Norris Hill, and Monida Pass.

Be prepared for strong crosswinds on I-90 and I-15 at times along with some blowing snow and lower visibility.

The weather pattern should begin to settle down on Saturday and a gradual warming trend is expected to begin on Sunday through next week.