Blizzard conditions and destructive winds forecast for the northern Plains and northern Rockies, U.S.
A fast-moving winter storm is forecast to bring widespread blizzard conditions and destructive winds across parts of Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota through Thursday, December 18, 2025. The system, driven a deep low-pressure trough, is generating gusts up to 110 km/h (70 mph) and localized peaks over 130 km/h (80 mph) in leeward mountain areas, potentially leading to whiteout conditions, road closures, and power outages across the region.
Image credit: NWS
A quick-moving upper-level trough and an associated deep surface low are driving a large-scale winter storm from the interior Pacific Northwest through the northern and central Rockies and into the northern Plains on Thursday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that the combination of high winds and blowing snow is producing dangerous and at times life-threatening blizzard conditions over broad areas of Montana, North Dakota, and northern Minnesota.
Destructive winds ranging from 80 to 115 km/h (50 to 70 mph) are forecast through Thursday, with gusts of over 130 km/h (80 mph) downwind of mountain ranges.
Numerous power outages, tree damage, and hazardous travel conditions are expected, particularly for high-profile vehicles. Light to moderate snowfall accumulations across the northern Plains are further intensified by severe blowing and drifting snow, creating snow squalls and whiteout visibility.
Heavy mountain snowfall continues across the Cascades and northern Rockies, with accumulations of 30–90 cm (1–3 feet) forecast through Thursday morning. The weight of heavy wet snow, combined with high winds, may lead to tree and infrastructure damage, especially in forested areas and mountain passes.
The NWS Office in Glasgow, Montana issued a Civil Emergency Message on Thursday, reporting blizzard conditions in multiple counties.
“Phillips, Valley, Roosevelt, and McCone County Disaster Emergency Services have issued an Emergency Travel Only Order for Phillips, Valley, Roosevelt, and McCone county until blizzard conditions improve. Closed Highways include. Highway 2 from Malta to Wolf Point and Highway 13 from Wolf Point to Circle,” said the NWS.
The NWS office in Bismarck forecast winds of above 95 km/h (60 mph) and localized gusts to 110 km/h (70 mph), reducing visibility to near zero across open country and causing dangerous travel conditions during the warning period.
In Montana, gusts could reach 120 km/h (75 mph) in parts of Phillips, Daniels, and Roosevelt counties, with widespread road closures and drifting snow across the Hi-Line region.
Blizzard warnings are in effect across much of northern and central North Dakota, northeastern Montana, and portions of Minnesota.
Residents in affected areas are advised to avoid all nonessential travel and remain indoors. Officials recommend that motorists carry emergency survival kits if travel is unavoidable and to remain with vehicles if stranded.
Wind and snow conditions are expected to gradually subside from west to east late Thursday into Friday as the low-pressure system moves into central Canada.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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