Winter storm forecast for Montana, Wyoming

A wintry storm in California brought rain to the San Francisco Bay Area and snow to the Sierra Nevada, making a white Thanksgiving likely in the mountains. A cold polar plunge will bring sub-freezing air into the Rockies and northern plains. As much as half an inch will coat surfaces such as trees and roadways.

WINTER STORM WARNING today through early Wednesday morning for all of western Montana, including the Missoula, Kalispell and Butte areas and through Wednesday for southwest Montana, including the Bozeman area.

Snow will accumulate Twelve to 22 inches will pile up along the crest, 6 to 12 inches above 4,000 feet; 2 to 6 inches down to 2,500 feet.

Cities that could experience one or more periods of freezing rain and drizzle include Amarillo, Texas; Gage, Oklahoma; Dodge City, Kansas; Lamar, Colorado; Omaha, Nebraska; and Des Moines, Iowa.

The NWS recommended people consider changing plans if they are traveling in affected areas Wednesday night. “While many remain cautious about the economy and their personal finances, lower gas prices and a higher level of consumer optimism have contributed to increase in holiday excursions”.

It will be dry with mostly sunny skies on Thanksgiving day but we will start the morning off with temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s in the valley. That sunshine is forecast to stick around through Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Smith says after the storm, temperatures will drop well below normal. Highs will be 10 to 30 degrees colder than what is normally expected for the end of November over parts of the West Wednesday through Friday.