Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
A powerful winter storm is sweeping through Montana, bringing heavy snowfall, extreme cold, and hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Great Falls has issued both a cold weather advisory and an extreme cold warning for multiple counties, with wind chills plummeting as low as 40 below zero in some areas.
Why It Matters
This storm is expected to significantly impact travel, infrastructure, and public safety across Montana. Residents in affected areas are urged to take precautions as frostbite can occur in as little as 10-20 minutes in these dangerously low temperatures. Authorities warn of potential power outages, impassable roads, and school closures as the storm progresses.
What To Know
The cold weather advisory covers eastern Pondera and eastern Teton Counties, western and central Chouteau County, and the Bears Paw Mountains and southern Blaine County, with wind chills as low as 30 below zero.
The extreme cold warning is in effect for eastern Glacier, western Toole, and central Pondera Counties, as well as eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Hill County, and northern Blaine County, where wind chills could drop to 40 below zero.
Storm Timeline: The storm began at 12:34 a.m. MST on February 6, 2025, and is expected to last until 11:00 a.m. MST the same day.
The storm began at 12:34 a.m. MST on February 6, 2025, and is expected to last until 11:00 a.m. MST the same day. Snowfall Accumulations: Some areas could see up to 15 inches of snow.
Some areas could see up to 15 inches of snow. Wind Chill Danger: The combination of strong winds and bitter cold increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
The combination of strong winds and bitter cold increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Road Closures and Travel Hazards: Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads as blowing snow and icy conditions make travel dangerous.
What People Are Saying
In a Thursday post on X, formerly Twitter, the NWS in Billings, Montana, said,
Montana Winter Storm Could Bring 15 Inches of Snow-Live Tracker
