Expected

Areas of snow and gusty northerly winds are moving through southwest Montana this afternoon. Expect visibility reductions below a half mile at times, along with wet to at times slushy roadways. Accumulations will generally range between one and three inches, mostly on grassy surfaces; however, periods of snow will continue this evening into tonight while wet surfaces freeze and become slippery. Those traveling in southwest Montana will encounter winter

* Wind...West at 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph. * Humidity...As low as 6 percent. * Fuels...Dry to critically dry. * Impacts...Any fires that develop can spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is discouraged. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE SOUTH PLAINS...AND THE FAR SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS PANHANDLE... The National Weather Service in Lubbock has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening. * Wind...West at 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph. * Humidity...As low as 6 percent. * Fuels...Critically dry. * Impacts...Any fires that develop can spread rapidly. Outdoor

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY UNTIL 8 PM MDT FOR THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE, AND ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR EASTERN NEW MEXICO DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... Strong west winds in the lee of the southern Rockies will continue to produce strong winds today. West and northwest wind

...RED FLAG WARNING TODAY UNTIL 8 PM MDT FOR THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY, WEST CENTRAL BASIN AND RANGE, AND ALONG AND EAST OF THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN CHAIN DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR EASTERN NEW MEXICO DUE TO STRONG WIND AND LOW HUMIDITY... Strong west winds in the lee of the southern Rockies will continue to produce strong winds today. West and northwest wind

* WHAT...Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Fall River, Southern Foothills, and Western Fall River. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Sudden wind gusts can cause drivers to lose control, especially in lightweight or high profile vehicles. Strong winds can cause blowing dust, reduced visibility, and flying debris. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

* WHAT...Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * WHERE...Ziebach County, including portions of the Cheyenne River Reservation, and Haakon. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Sudden wind gusts can cause drivers to lose control, especially in lightweight or high profile vehicles. Strong winds can cause blowing dust, reduced visibility, and flying debris. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

* WHAT...Northwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * WHERE...Butte, Harding, Northern Meade Co Plains, Northern Perkins, Southern Meade Co Plains, Southern Perkins, Sturgis/Piedmont Foothills, and Pennington Co Plains. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Sudden wind gusts can cause drivers to lose control, especially in lightweight or high profile vehicles. Strong winds can cause blowing dust, reduced visibility, and flying debris. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high

* WHAT...Snow showers and patchy blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to three inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. Visibility as low as a quarter mile at times. * WHERE...Most of northeast Montana. * WHEN...From 3 AM Friday to noon MDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes. Severe conditions for newborn livestock. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Localized snow amounts in excess of 3" are

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches with lesser amounts of 1 to 3 inches below 9000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult, including over Teton Pass and Togwotee Pass. Slow down and use caution while traveling. For graphical depictions of the snowfall forecast, including the official NWS forecast, high end amounts, and low end amounts, visit