Major Winter Weather Advisory Issued for 1 State Amid Blizzard Warning

December has seen winter start with a bang across the United States. Over the last couple of weeks, numerous regions have been hit hard by heavy snow and extreme cold.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a "Blizzard Warning" for parts of Montana, a state that was already under multiple "Winter Storm Warnings," including one that cautioned against "major winter weather impacts."

"Damaging winds and heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter weather impacts to isolated extreme winter storm impacts," said the first "Winter Storm Warning" issued by the NWS Missoula office on Tuesday. "Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 in inches in the valleys and 8 to 12 inches at pass level. Damaging winds gusting as high as 60 mph in the lower elevations, 70 mph in higher terrain."

This initial warning covers the areas of Essex, Marias Pass, Bad Rock Canyon, Polebridge, Glacier National Park, and Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake and is in effect until 11 p.m. local time Wednesday.

Follow-up 'Winter Storm Warning' announced Wednesday

Early Wednesday morning, the NWS Great Falls outpost confirmed another "Winter Storm Warning" is in effect until 11 p.m. tonight for the Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountain Front.

"Snow with a period of heavy snow this morning. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 8 inches at Marias Pass with higher amounts over the mountains in Glacier National Park. Winds could gust over 70 mph at times," the alert says.

The NWS adds that travel "could be very difficult to dangerous" with visibility potentially dropping below 1/4 mile "due to falling and blowing snow."

'Blizzard Warning' in place, travel discouraged

As for the aforementioned "Blizzard Warning," that was also announced Wednesday morning and will be in place from 4 p.m. today until 6 a.m. Thursday, covering over one dozen towns in northeast Montana.

There will only be 1-to-3 inches of snow on the ground, but swirling winds with gusts as high as 70 mph could wreak havoc. The NWS suggests travel be reserved for "emergencies only."

"Plan on slippery road conditions and drifting snow. Areas of falling and blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility to near zero at times," the "Blizzard Warning" says. "Areas of whiteout conditions are expected primarily in unsheltered and higher elevation locations."