The Weekend Storm

Areas of freezing rain, sleet, and snow today for many areas, but this storm will seem like a breeze when you compare it to our next one which is set to effect our area this weekend. Winter storm watches are already posted for eastern Montana, almost all of North and South Dakota, and parts of western Minnesota.

This storm will likely bring all four types of precipitation to the area; rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Now, depending on where you are located will depend on exactly how much of each of these types of precipitation you will receive. Here is what we are expecting to be the predominant hazards with this next storm.All told, some areas could end up with a foot of snow while other ares could get a half inch of freezing rain and then a couple inches of snow. Either way, this weekend will be a travel nightmare.

The HPC (Hydrological Prediction Center) are some of the brightest minds when it comes to forecasting what type of precipitation you will have and exactly how much. Here is what they think.

Amount of liquid equivalent precipitation will fall from now through Monday night;Probability of receiving 4 or more inches of snow from 6pm Friday through 6pm Saturday:Probability of receiving at least a quarter inch of freezing rain from 6pm Friday through 6pm Saturday;

Now keep in mind that the last two images do not include the entire storm. So much more can be expected Saturday night and Sunday as well. If you have travel plans this weekend, I would seriously consider having an alternative plan.

~KDLT Meteorologist Cody Matz