Montana Wyoming snow warning covers high country as the National Weather Service in Billings issued a winter storm warning Wednesday evening.
The warning runs from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. MDT Thursday for the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains including Cooke City.
Forecasters said heavy snow is expected mainly on north facing slopes above 7,000 feet with total accumulations of eight to 13 inches.
Winds may gust up to 30 mph and the NWS warned that recreation in the high country could be significantly impacted.
A winter weather advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. MDT Thursday for the Pryor Northern Bighorn Mountains in Montana.
The advisory also covers the Northeast Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming near Burgess Junction and Story with five to 10 inches expected.
Officials said roadways including U.S. Route 14 are likely to become slippery and hazardous as snow accumulates and winds increase.
Animated weather footage from windy.com shows where the heaviest snow will fall and forecasters urged drivers to check road reports.
Impacts And Precautions
In lower elevations the passing cold front will bring rain and scattered thunderstorms according to NWS Billings.
The agency said storms could produce gusty erratic winds small hail and brief downpours.
The NWS warned accumulating snow and fluctuating temperatures can create unstable high country conditions.
Those conditions increase risks such as avalanches and can delay runoff later in the season.
Officials urged residents and visitors to check local NWS updates and state DOT road reports before traveling and to carry emergency supplies.
Recommended items include extra food water and a flashlight waterproof layers heavy thermal gear and an emergency cold weather kit.
Drivers were told to slow down because spring tires do not grip late season mountain slush the way winter tires do.
Meanwhile NWS offices in the Great Lakes issued frost advisories for northeast Minnesota northern Wisconsin and the northern half of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Freeze warnings which are more severe than frost advisories have also been issued in Michigan and both alerts will expire by Thursday night.
