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.
• Snowfall Accumulations: 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.
• 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, “The next round of snow comes tonight through Friday night. Expect difficult travel conditions and slow commutes on Friday.”

“There is a band of heavy snow moving eastward between Livingston and Big Timber. Visibilities have dropped as low as 1/4 mile at Livingston and this is expected farther east, as well including portions of I-90, US-212, US-191, and into Billings,” NWS Billings said in another social media post.

In their advisory, NWS Billings said, “Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 15 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph…outdoor recreation in the high country will be impacted by hazardous winter conditions. Expect avalanche danger to increase.”

What’s Next

The storm is expected to continue impacting the region through the morning, with temperatures remaining dangerously low. Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure, check on vulnerable neighbors, and prepare for possible disruptions to power and services.