Montana early-season winter storm
Let family know you’re OK
Makes a message and picture you can text. Nothing is saved on our servers.
Under a winter storm warning, stay off roads if you can, keep generators and grills outdoors at least 20 feet from windows and doors, and watch for frostbite and hypothermia.
Active. Winter storm · Montana · Oct. 10, 2026 to Oct. 12, 2026. Updated 2026-10-10. In danger, call 911.
What is happening
The National Weather Service offices in Great Falls, Billings and Missoula have issued Winter Storm Warnings for central and southwest Montana from Saturday, Oct. 10 into Monday morning, Oct. 12. NWS expects heavy, wet snow: 5 to 11 inches in lower areas such as Cascade County below 5,000 feet, and 10 to 20 inches in the mountains, with gusts to 45 mph. Travel could be very difficult, including the Monday morning commute, and NWS Great Falls says the heavy wet snow could bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages.
Areas under warnings include the Rocky Mountain Front, Cascade County below 5,000 feet, Judith Basin, Meagher County valleys, the Butte/Blackfoot region, MacDonald and Homestake passes, and the Absaroka/Beartooth and Crazy Mountains.
Source: NWS Great Falls and Billings Winter Storm Warnings issued Oct. 10, 2026; NWS Missoula warning issued Oct. 9, 2026. Warnings change; the live panel below is the current word from NWS.
Local help near you
Open shelters and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Montana, straight from FEMA.
Loading open shelters…
Follow for storm updates: Facebook (opens in a new tab)X (opens in a new tab)
Live NWS alerts for the affected areas
Loading live data…
FEMA disaster declarations
Loading live data…
Confirmed damage
Only official reports: NWS Local Storm Reports and damage surveys, plus statements from FEMA, USGS and state or county emergency management. No news or social media rumors.
Loading NWS storm reports…
Preliminary reports; official totals may change.
Official state and local links
- Montana Disaster and Emergency ServicesState emergency management
- Local (county and tribal) DES contactsFind your county emergency manager
- Montana road conditions (511)Montana Department of Transportation
- NorthWestern Energy outagesReport and check power outages
- NWS Great FallsForecasts and warnings · NWS
- NWS BillingsForecasts and warnings · NWS
- NWS MissoulaForecasts and warnings · NWS
During: stay safe
- Stay off roads if at all possible. If you're stranded in your car, stay inside it.
- Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven. Use generators and grills only outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages.
- Have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
- Limit time outside and dress in layers. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Hypothermia (body temperature below 95°F) is an emergency. Warm the center of the body first and call 911.
Source: (Ready.gov: Winter Weather)
After: recover
- Check on older neighbors and anyone without heat or power.
- Report outages to your utility and stay far from downed power lines and tree limbs weighed down by snow.
- Watch for frozen or burst pipes and shut off water at the main if a pipe breaks.
- Photograph roof, tree and water damage before repairs, then contact your insurer.
More official guidance
- NWS winter safetyWarnings, wind chill and travel · NWS
- CDC: Winter weatherBefore, during and after a winter storm · CDC
- Ready.gov: Winter weatherGenerators, frostbite, hypothermia · Ready.gov
- Ready.gov: Power outagesFood, medicine and staying warm · Ready.gov
- Winter storms and ice: full safety guide
Get help
- Power outagesOutage maps and generator safety
- Roads & closures511, road conditions, flooding
- Find shelterOpen shelters and hotel help
- Tarps & roof helpTarps, roof help and volunteer crews
- Mental health & familySomeone to talk to, finding family
- Safety firstGas, power lines, CO, floodwater
- After the storm: housing, mental health, money
- Insurance photo checklist
Common questions
Where can I see current warnings for the montana early-season winter storm?
The live panel on this page pulls active alerts straight from the National Weather Service for the affected zones in Montana. You can also check your local NWS office or weather.gov.
Is FEMA assistance available for the montana early-season winter storm?
Only if a federal disaster is declared for your county. The FEMA panel on this page shows any declarations as they come in; you can also check DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
What is the difference between a winter storm watch and warning?
Ready.gov says a watch means a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is possible, usually 12 to 48 hours ahead. A warning means hazardous winter weather is imminent or occurring.
Can I use my oven or gas stove to heat my home?
No. Ready.gov says never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven, because of carbon monoxide and fire risk.