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Blizzard Warning issued ahead of big storm set to hit parts of Montana

Posted at 5:44 PM, Nov 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-06 20:00:34-05

This weekend is going to bring a wintry blast with heavy snow and freezing temperatures to our area. The National Weather Service has issued the following alerts:

  • BLIZZARD WARNING for areas of north-central Montana.
  • WINTER STORM WARNING for most of the rest of Montana.

The Blizzard Warning is in effect from 2 p.m. on Saturday through 6 a.m. on Monday.

A major snowstorm with blizzard conditions will hit this weekend. For a storm to technically be a blizzard it needs to have sustained wind of 35mph or greater, visibility of 1/4 mile or less, and sustain these conditions for at least three hours. A blizzard does not require heavy snowfall, but snow is a key element reducing visibility. A blizzard does not require severe cold, either.

After the weekend starts out quietly, the storm will really explode on Saturday night with those blizzard conditions throughout most of the state for most of Sunday. Snowfall will be heavy, wind will be strong, temperatures will be cold, wind chills will be biting, travel will be extremely dangerous and in some places impassable.

The snow will continue into Monday morning before gradually tapering off through the day. Wind will continue to blow snow around on Monday even as the sun comes out. Travel conditions will remain severe. Another round of light snow is likely on Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures will remain cold throughout the week.

This is a storm to respect. Please be careful.

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