Snow and rain expected to follow melting snow

After recent warm temperatures caused flooding with melting of high levels of snowpack in this area, the region is expected to see more snow mixed with rain.

National Weather Service has a flood advisory in effect through 6 tonight for Blaine, Chouteau, Hill and Liberty counties, with snowmelt closing or at least running over roads and highways since Sunday,

A flood warning on Battle Creek in Blaine County is in effect through Thursday morning, with the creek expected to crest at 14.4 feet this afternoon before falling below flood stage by morning.

While the flood advisory is listed as ending this evening, a winter weather advisory follows that, from 6 p.m. today through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, centered on the Bear Paw Mountains, with snow and rain expected through the region.

Winter advisories also are going into effect in central and southwest Montana.

The forecast for the southwest Bear Paws predicts snow starting after 5 p.m. today, and snow and rainstorms coming through Friday night. The forecast predicts as much as 7 inches to 9 inches inches of new snow possible in the Bear Paws through Friday.

The snow is expected to hit out of the mountains as well, but with 1 inch to 2 inches of new snow expected.