Montana Faces Multi-Day Threat of Severe Storms, Heavy Rain and Mountain Snow

Overview

• Local forecasts say the active pattern is ongoing through the weekend with repeated rounds of severe thunderstorms capable of large hail, 40–50 mph gusts and rotating updrafts that can produce damaging winds.
• Forecasters warn heavy downpours from those storms could produce localized flash flooding in low areas and urban spots where rain rates exceed an inch in a short time.
• Mountain snow is expected to fall Saturday night into Sunday as snow levels drop above roughly 8,500–9,000 feet, but outlets disagree on amounts with some forecasts calling for a light skim and others projecting multiple inches on high summits.
• Threats will vary across the region with higher severe risk east of Billings and lower risk in southwest Montana, and forecasters say gusty winds could cause tree damage and power outages along the stronger storm tracks.
• Models are uncertain on exact rain and snow totals but agree on a turn to warmer, drier weather early next week that should cut down thunderstorm chances and raise valley highs into the 80s and possibly the 90s.