Multiple states across the U.S. were under winter weather-related alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) early on Friday, with up to 15 inches of snow possible in parts of the country.
Why It Matters
In Montana and Idaho, the NWS said heavy snow could disrupt travel and recreation, while the Northeast faced widespread frost and freeze conditions that could harm crops and other sensitive outdoor plants.
What To Know
As of early Friday, winter storm watches spanned parts of western Montana as well as central and north central Idaho.
Between 10 and 15 inches of heavy snow could fall in the Crazy Mountains, the NWS said in an alert in effect for Saturday evening through Sunday evening.
“Recreation in the high country could be impacted by heavy accumulating snow with blowing snow,” the agency cautioned.
Up to 14 inches of heavy and wet snow could accumulate in the Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountain Front, above 6000 feet, the NWS said.
“Roads in Glacier National Park and forest roads over the higher terrain of Teton and central and northern Lewis and Clark County, including Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass, may become difficult to impossible to travel. The heavy, wet snow may cause power outages and other infrastructure failures,” it added.
Meanwhile, winter weather advisories were in place for Atigun Pass, Eagle Summit, and the central and eastern Beaufort Sea coast in Alaska, with up to four inches of snow possible in parts.
Elsewhere, freeze warnings and frost advisories spanned parts of the Midwest and Northeast, where temperatures in the mid-20s and low 30s could lead to frost and freeze conditions capable of killing crops and other sensitive vegetation as well as damaging outdoor plumbing.
According to the NWS, states affected included, but were not limited to New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service forecast office, Billings, Montana said on X on Thursday: “A late Saturday cold front will bring lower elevation rain, mountain snow, gusty winds and a sharp drop in temps Saturday night and Sunday. Highest precip amounts are expected west of Rosebud County. This graphic shows the probability of 0.50″ or more.”
NWS Boston, Massachusetts said in a post on X, Thursday: “The coldest air of the season arrives tonight as high pressure settles over New England. Widespread frost is expected, with many inland areas dropping below freezing. Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories are in effect. Protect plants and outdoor plumbing from the cold.”
What Happens Next
Local forecast updates are issued by regional NHC branches on the agency’s website and social media channels.
