Winter Storm Sparks Warning That People Could Get Stranded in Mountains

A winter storm in Montana and Wyoming has prompted meteorologists to issue a warning that people could get stranded in the mountains should they travel during poor weather conditions.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists at the Billings, Montana, office issued the winter storm warning early Tuesday morning. The warning will remain in place for the Pryor Mountains and northern Bighorn Mountains in Montana and the northeast Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming until noon local time on Wednesday.
The warning urged people to delay travel if possible, as up to 20 inches of snow were expected. Poor weather was likely to make Highway 14 travel “very difficult.”
“The hazardous conditions will impact backcountry recreation through Wednesday morning,” the warning said.
Conditions were expected to be so extreme that meteorologists suggested people stock their cars with survival supplies should they get stranded in the mountains.
“People should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing,” the warning said. “Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
NWS meteorologist Luke Arends told Newsweek that people should always travel with a winter survival kit. He said the snow is related to a typical fall system for the area.
“It’s what we call a trough that is moving inland from the Pacific Northwest and cutting down through our area,” Arends said.
Arends said the heaviest snow will occur in the higher peaks of the Bighorn Mountains on the north-facing slopes. Lower amounts, up to 12 inches, are forecast for the Pryor Mountains. Some foothills also could see some snow, and Arends said although temperatures are still too warm for snow to fall in Sheridan County, Wyoming, snow could begin to fall in that area as temperatures drop later today.
Rain will fall in areas where temperatures don’t dip below freezing.
The best chance for snow will be Tuesday afternoon. Snowfall will begin to taper overnight and into Wednesday morning.
Another system will move into the area later this week, but Arends said it likely won’t produce more snow. Temperatures will remain near seasonal averages for the rest of the week.
Winter storm warnings were also issued in South Dakota and Wyoming. Winter weather advisories were more widespread, stretching into Utah and Colorado and were accompanied by freeze watches and warnings.