THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM MST SUNDAY.
Areas affected by the advisory include NORTHERN BIG HORN…HYSHAM…BIGHORN…COLUMBUS…ABSAROKEE…PARK CITY…REED POINT…RAPELJE…BILLINGS…LAUREL…HUNTLEY…POMPEYS PILLAR…CUSTER…BROADVIEW…BRIDGER…JOLIET…FROMBERG…BELFRY…WARREN…HARDIN…CROW AGENCY… and BUSBY
* TIMING…A FEW SNOW SHOWERS THIS AFTERNOON WILL TURN TO STEADY SNOW THIS EVENING. THE SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT AND BE HEAVY AT TIMES. THE PERIOD OF HEAVIEST SNOW WILL BE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING. SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY BEFORE TAPERING OFF SATURDAY NIGHT.
* SNOW ACCUMULATION THROUGH SATURDAY…6 TO 12 INCHES.
* WINDS…GUSTY NORTHEAST WINDS WILL OCCUR TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY AND RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT BLOWING SNOW AND BITTERLY COLD WIND CHILLS.
* IMPACTS…HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CAUSE VERY POOR VISIBILITIES…MAKING TRAVEL VERY DIFFICULT. ALSO…VERY COLD WIND CHILLS WILL MAKE IT DANGEROUS TO BE OUTSIDE. THIS IS A
DANGEROUS STORM AND THOSE WITH OUTDOOR INTERESTS OR TRAVEL PLANS SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER POSTPONING UNTIL AFTER THE STORM.
* LIVESTOCK…BITTERLY COLD TEMPERATURES…COMBINED WITH SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL AND GUSTY WINDS MAY BE ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS TO YOUNG LIVESTOCK.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A WINTER STORM MEANS CONDITIONS CAN DETERIORATE RAPIDLY IN WINTER WEATHER SITUATIONS. SLOW DOWN AND ALLOW EXTRA TIME WHEN TRAVELING.PRACTICE YOUR WINTER SAFETY RULES. KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT…FOOD…AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.
What is the difference between a “storm watch” and “storm warning”?
According to weather.com, Winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories are issued by local National Weather Service Forecast offices.
Winter weather advisory — When a significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring, imminent, and is an inconvenience.
Winter storm watch — A significant winter weather is expected, but not imminent, for the watch area; provides 12 to 36 hours notice of the possibility of severe winter weather.
Winter storm warning — A significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring, imminent, or likely, and is a threat to life and property.
Blizzard warning — Winds that are at least 35 mph or greater, blowing snow that will frequently reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less for at least three hours, and dangerous wind chills are expected in the warning area.
For more info, visit the weather page here.