We’re beginning to see winter weather popping up in more areas of the country, a trend that will certainly continue throughout November.
Parts of the western United States have been getting hit throughout the weekend. The latest Winter Storm Watch from the National Weather Service (NWS) projects mountainous areas in two states in the Northern Rockies to experience snow and heavy winds into Monday.
What is a Winter Storm Watch?
The NWS issues several different winter storm-related alerts, including a Winter Storm Watch, a Winter Storm Warning and a Winter Weather Advisory.
A Winter Storm watch will typically be issued “in advance of the storm, usually at least 24 hours.”
“It indicates the risk of a hazardous winter weather event has increased (at least a 50% chance of it occurring), but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain,” says Weather.gov. “It is intended to provide enough lead time so you can make plans to stay safe. While rare for our area, a Blizzard Watch may be issued instead.
“As the event becomes imminent, a watch will normally be upgraded to either a warning or an advisory (which indicates an 80% or greater probability of occurence). A Warning indicates that conditions pose a threat to life or property, and that travel will become difficult to impossible. An Advisory indicates conditions pose a significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.”
What does this latest storm watch say?
The NWS Billings, Montana outpost announced a Winter Storm Watch for Sunday evening through Monday evening for the following territories:
- Montana: Pryor/northern Bighorn Mountains
- Wyoming: Northeast Bighorn Mountains
“Moderate to heavy snow,” up to eight inches worth, is possible. Wind gusts are expected to be between 40 and 50 mph, with visibility dropping below 1/4 mile due to blowing snow.
If you’re planning on doing some hiking in the Pryor Mountains or skiing/exploring somewhere in the Bighorn Range, be aware that this weather could impact you.
