Heads up, holiday travelers.
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, a winter storm and cold front are expected to sweep across Western Montana, leading to snowfall and hazardous driving conditions, according to the National Weather Service.
The first significant arctic front of the season will cross the region early Tuesday, causing a rapid temperature drop, snow, ice, and hazardous driving conditions, the NWS said. Pass conditions will be especially terrible.
The arctic front will move down from Canada and will first affect Marias Pass, where blizzard conditions are expected throughout Tuesday. The front will eventually make its way south towards Missoula during the afternoon where the potential for a flash freeze exists across western and southwest Montana. Snow will taper off Tuesday night.
Snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected in most valleys with higher amounts in the mountains.
The low temperatures should linger through the week and could approach single digits.