Travel becomes 'impossible' as one state experiences heavy snowfall

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service (NWS) warned that travel could become “impossible” in parts of Montana this week as a winter storm brings heavy snow to the area.

The NWS offices in Billings and Great Falls, Montana, issued a winter storm warning Tuesday afternoon. The warning goes into effect at 3 a.m. local time on Thursday morning and is expected to last until Friday afternoon.

Snowfall between 3 and 15 inches is expected in the Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains. Strong winds with gusts of up to 30 miles per hour are also expected, the NWS office in Billings warned.

“Recovery in the highlands will be affected by the heavy snowfall. Travel and recreation will be very difficult if not impossible,” the warning reads. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”

Up to 6 inches of snow is expected below 7,000 feet and 6 to 14 inches of snow above 7,000 feet in the Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and the Centennial Mountains, the NWS office in Great Falls warned. Wind gusts up to 35 miles per hour.

“The journey could be difficult and tire chains may be required for some vehicles. Anyone traveling in the backcountry should ensure they are prepared for winter conditions,” the warning states. “Hunters, particularly those in the Gallatin, Gravelly and Madison Ranges and Tobacco Root Mountains, should be prepared for winter conditions.”

NWS meteorologist Brian Tesar recounted Newsweek that this is the time of year when snowstorms occur. He said the biggest concern was “heavy, wet snow” in the highlands.

“We would hate to see people up there recovering, hikers and maybe a few hunters who aren't prepared,” he said.

Tesar added that snow is likely to persist at higher elevations, although it could gradually melt below 7,000 feet. The Billings area will experience cooler weather in the future.

“We've had mild, above-average temperatures over the last month and a half, but I don't think we'll see much of that in the future,” he said.

The winter storm warnings come as cold weather prevails across much of the rest of the United States. Frost warnings and freeze warnings are in effect across much of the central and midwestern United States, with some warnings also in effect along the East Coast.

“Cooler temperatures, rain and light snow are forecast for the Midwest and parts of the eastern U.S. early this week as a cold front moves through,” the NWS said.