Snowy, blowy weather predicted for the holiday

This area will get its first taste of winter today, Wednesday and Thursday, but when it comes to snow accumulation, the region will avoid the worst of the oncoming storm.

Snow will start late this afternoon and continue through tonight and Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service warning says. But unlike areas to the south, including Chouteau County, this part of Hi-Line will only get a total of about one inch of snow, maybe a little bit more.

The snow will make roads slick, the weather services advises.

“But for travel, the problem will be caused more by blowing snow,” said Roger Martin, a meteorologist for National Weather Service at Great Falls.

Sharp winds are expected for the area throughout the next three days, he said. This will cause blowing snow and decrease visibility.

Temperatures will go down over the next 48 hours, he said.

By Thursday morning, the temperature should fall to about 4 degrees for a low, he said.

Those factors should combine to make some tough driving conditions, he said.

People making Thanksgiving plans that involve travel south, say to Great Falls or Lewistown, should be especially careful, he said.

The further south you go, the worst the driving conditions will be, he said.

The weather picture will improve later on, he said.

Friday through Sunday, sunny weather is predicted with temperatures in the mid-30s.