National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued an urgent warning to more than 2,500 people on Monday afternoon as a dangerous snow squall created whiteout conditions in Jefferson County, southwest Montana.
Why It Matters
The warning comes as nearly 82 million Americans plan to travel more than 50 miles from home this week for Thanksgiving. It highlights the importance of immediate weather forecasts for travelers, as snow squalls can occur suddenly and with little warning, creating hazardous conditions with near-zero visibility for anyone trapped in them.
What To Know
Snow squalls can occur suddenly, plunging drivers into near-zero visibility and dangerous travel conditions only moments after skies were clear. The storms are known for causing major accidents, especially when drivers suddenly brake after entering the surprising wintry conditions.
NWS meteorologists at the Great Falls, Montana, office issued the warning shortly after 10:10 a.m. MST. It will remain in place until 11 a.m. MST, though the NWS could issue additional warnings if conditions warrant.
The warning was issued when “a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from near Boulder to 14 miles west of Divide, moving east at 45 mph.”
Whitehall and Homestake Pass are among the impacted areas, along with Interstate 90.
“Whiteout conditions with near zero visibility associated with intense bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds leading to blowing snow. Wind gusts up to 35 mph,” NWS Great Falls said in the snow squall warning. “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”
A second snow squall warning was issued at 10:35 a.m. local time. It is certainly possible that meteorologists will issue additional warnings as the day progresses, NWS lead meteorologist Matt Ludwig told Newsweek.
The squall comes as much of Montana remains under a winter weather advisory for Monday, with meteorologists warning of several inches of snow and some mixed precipitation that could cause ice on the roadways, particularly on the Highway 2 corridor from Browning to Harlem.
What People Are Saying
NWS Great Falls in the snow squall warning: “Reduce speed and turn on headlights! During snow squalls, the visibility may suddenly drop to near zero in whiteout conditions!”
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said in a report: “Snow squalls are the winter equivalent of summertime torrential showers and thunderstorms. The most intense squalls, triggered by a rapidly cooling upper atmosphere, can have strong wind gusts, thunder and even lightning.”
What Happens Next
The snow squall warning will expire at 11 a.m. local time, but drivers in Montana should remain alert and follow any guidance from their local NWS office, as winter weather could persist throughout the day on Monday.
