Hi-Line blizzard prediction upgraded to warning

The National Weather Service this morning still was predicting severe winter weather in north-central and central Montana, with more counties added to a prediction that was upgraded from a blizzard watch to a blizzard warning.

Despite the larger area and upgraded status, the forecast has backed off slightly on how severe the blizzard might be.

The watch issued Thursday morning included Choteau, Hill, Blaine, Phillips and Valley counties, with most of the state south of that area listed with a winter storm warnings.

The blizzard warning this morning also included Judith Gap, Fergus and Garfield counties.

The Weather Service forecast, however called for slightly less snow and slightly slower winds in north-central Montana, while still warning of low visibility, dangerous road conditions and possible power outages.

The forecast for Havre through tonight had dropped from 5 to 7 inches of snow in Thursday's prediction to 3 to 5 inches, with the general prediction for the region at 6-8 inches on the plains and 8-14 inches in the mountains. Thursday's prediction called for 6 to 10 inches in the plains and 10 to 20 inches in the mountains.

The forecast wind had dropped from Thursday's prediction of 25 mph to 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph to 20 mph to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.