The National Weather Service office in Great Falls issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Helena and portions of central and southwest Montana beginning Friday evening, with snow expected to continue through 6 a.m. Sunday. The advisory was posted at 12:32 a.m. Friday.
Forecasters are calling for two to five inches of snow accumulation at lower elevations, including the Helena valley, with winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour. The combination of gusty winds and wet, heavy snow is expected to make travel difficult, particularly on secondary roads and during overnight hours Saturday.
Residents should allow extra time for any travel this weekend and make sure vehicles are stocked with the standard Montana winter kit — scraper, blanket, sand or kitty litter. Road conditions can be checked through Montana's 511 system before heading out.