Impactful Spring Storm Imminent - Heavy Snowfall and Rain Possible

From the Billings office of the National Weather Service

An impactful storm will move through our area this afternoon through Monday.

KEY POINTS

• Severe weather possible this afternoon and evening

• Heavy precipitation leading to flooding concerns

• Heavy mountain snowfall expected

CHANGES FROM PREVIOUS BRIEFING

• Severe weather possible today
• Snow levels lower than previous forecast

DETAILS

• Severe weather possible this afternoon and evening

  • Strong to severe storms are possible from the Beartooth Foothills eastward this afternoon and evening.

    • Severe storms are most likely for Rosebud County and locations east towards the Dakotas.

  • Primary hazards will be strong winds and large hail.

    • Every thunderstorm will be capable of producing heavy downpours and cloud-to-ground lightning.

• Heavy precipitation leading to flooding concerns

  • The foothills of the Absaroka/Beartooth mountains could see a total of 2-4" of rain over 36hours.

    • This could cause some minor lowland flooding in addition to filling up creeks and streams.

    • For additional impacts and details: https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=byz&issuedby=BYZ&product=FFA

  • The entire region is expected to see at least 0.5" with higher totals the farther south and west you go.

• Heavy mountain snowfall expected

  • Snow levels will rapidly drop overnight tonight allowing for all the mountains to see heavy accumulating snow.

  • Widespread totals over 1 foot are likely with locations over 9,000' seeing 2-3 feet.

  • With snow levels now forecast to be around 5,000' Monday morning, the Beartooth and Red Lodge Foothills could see 2-6" Monday.