The first winter storm of the season will hit central Montana in the next few days. A cold front will bring very windy conditions as it moves through the region today. The main event starts later this evening as light to moderate snow spreads across north central Montana.

A Strong wind warning effective Monday at 11:00 p.m. through Tuesday at 11:00 p.m. for Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4,500 feet, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. West-northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts of up to 60 mph are expected during this time.

Furthermore a Strong wind warning was issued for the foothills and plains adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Front as well as Eastern Glacier, Western Toole and Central Pondera Counties and is active from 8 a.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Tuesday. This area may experience west-northwest winds of 30 to 50 mph with gusts of 70 to 80 mph. The combination of existing snow on the ground and new snowfall results in blizzards that result in near-zero visibility at times.

An upper trough off the coast of British Columbia Monday morning will push another cold front through central Montana through Tuesday afternoon and evening, with light to moderate snow moving in early Tuesday morning. The north-south movement of precipitation increases slope rises and leads to higher amounts of snowfall on north-facing slopes.

Higher elevations in the Little Belts, Highwoods and Little Snowy Mountains could see up to 30cm of snowfall. Meanwhile, parts of Fergus and Judith Basin counties, including Stanford and Lewistown, are expected to receive several inches of snow.

Many locations in central Montana will see snow accumulation for the first time this season, but the amount is expected to be relatively small, with up to 3 inches expected in the Plains.

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The system will retreat Wednesday morning, skies will clear quickly, but it will be cool. Road conditions could be quite slippery on Wednesday morning.

A ridge will quickly form over the West, leading to a warming trend for the remainder of the week. Some areas could even reach 60 degrees on Friday.

DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER

Check with the Montana Department of Transportation website Before you leave, find out which roads are covered in snow, which have ice and/or slush, and whether any roads are closed.

It is important that you have an emergency kit in your vehicle. Recommended items include:

• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Ice scraper
• Car cell phone charger
• Ceiling
• Map
• Cat litter or sand (for better tire traction)

MDT provides the following safety information:

1. Allow extra time to get to your destination.
2. Clean your car. Keep windows, mirrors and lights free of snow and ice.
3. Turn off cruise control.
4. Always fasten your seatbelt.
5. Drive slower in poor visibility conditions.
6. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
7. Ice is to be expected on bridges and in shady areas.
8. Do not drive past snow plows unless absolutely necessary.
9. Prepare your vehicle for winter operation at the beginning of the season.
10. Make sure all four tires are in good condition.
11. Don't wait until the last minute to install winter tires.
12. Keep an emergency travel kit in your car.

If you encounter a snowplow:

• Don't overcrowd the plow.
• Plow drivers have limited visibility, so don't assume your vehicle is in their line of sight.
• Maintain a safe distance behind the snow plow.
• Plows don't just clear snow. They may also spread sand or de-icing fluid on the road.
• Be patient – ​​never pass a white-out.
• The driver will stop when it is safe to do so to allow vehicles to pass.
• Slow.

Plows are large and move slower than on the highway. It is difficult to judge the distance when approaching the plow. Therefore, slow down immediately to avoid a collision.