Montana Storm Dumps Snow Across State and Disrupts Travel

An early winter storm blanketed Montana with heavy snow, causing crashes, travel delays, power outages and property damage across Great Falls, Lewistown, Billings and other communities as cold air moved into the state.

According to krtv.com, Great Falls recorded 11.1 inches of snow by midday, making it the city's snowiest October since 2020. The National Weather Service also reported the city had already received more than a quarter of last winter's 41.7-inch snowfall total.

In Great Falls, heavy wet snow caused trees to break and fall across the city. Residents reported blocked access routes, damaged vehicles and power interruptions, with some Box Elder residents losing electricity for more than five hours.

"My husband came and woke me up and said, 'The tree just fell on your car.' I jumped out of bed, ran to the window and looked out — and I was like, oh, man. He heard a noise, looked out the window, and watched it fall onto my car." said Ashley Gandolfi, resident.

Gandolfi said her family had discussed removing the tree before the storm, but the snow caused the issue to become urgent. The family waited for a tree service assessment before checking the vehicle.

"Earlier this week, we talked about maybe getting a tree service to come and cut it down anyway — or parts of it. And then this piece — well, now we have to hire someone to come and cut it down." said Ashley Gandolfi, resident.

Gandolfi described the disruption after the damage occurred. Her street was among areas affected by falling branches and storm cleanup efforts.

"It's not a good way to start my Sunday. Start my work week." said Ashley Gandolfi, resident.

Travel conditions also deteriorated after the storm covered mountain passes and roadways. According to kbzk.com, westbound lanes on Homestake Pass were closed while emergency crews responded to an injury crash involving an overturned semi-truck.

"I do this like every other week, so driving winter in Montana is normal" said Jeremy Bell, truck driver.

Bell was transporting honey from Iowa to Seattle, Washington, and said icy roads added time to his trip. He was not among motorists stranded on Homestake Pass.

"Always slow down when there’s anything not-dry roads. Increase your distance. Drive slower and keep your eyes on the road," said Jeremy Bell, truck driver.

Another truck driver chose to stop in Bozeman rather than continue through difficult conditions. Montana Highway Patrol later said the westbound lanes on Homestake Pass had reopened.

"I drove a little bit of the road down there yesterday and I was like nope and I just went back and parked. Like 'meh,' You just gotta deal with it. When it comes in, it comes in.

What are you gonna do? I mean, that’s all you gotta do. You just sit back and watch some TV and eat some sausage." said Richard Hamilton, truck driver.

Lewistown also saw significant impacts, with up to a foot of snow and widespread tree damage. According to ktvq.com, emergency services asked people to stay home as branches fell and neighborhoods lost power.

"I don't think I drove a block that I didn't see tree branches broke off all over town, everywhere. We've been out of power off and on all day," said Mary Peters, photographer and Lewistown native.

Other communities experienced rapid temperature changes and travel effects. In Red Lodge, temperatures fell from the mid-70s several days earlier to 32 degrees by Sunday morning.

"It started snowing really heavily and fast within the last hour. Everyone is wearing their beanies and their winter gear," said Traci Mark, photographer and Red Lodge resident.

Businesses also saw changes as residents prepared for winter conditions. A Tractor Supply sales associate in Billings said shoppers were seeking winter supplies.

"I see a lot of winter boots go, and shovels. Tons of shovels," said Devin Hauter, Tractor Supply sales associate.

In Red Lodge, some residents welcomed the snow despite disruptions. The storm also contributed to the early end of tourist season in Cooke City after Beartooth Pass closed due to the cold front.

"We're excited to see the snow fly. It's so good to have Red Lodge white" said Marcy, Sylvan Peak employee.

The National Weather Service said temperatures could return to the 70s the following week, while residents continued adjusting to the changing conditions.

"What I love about people in Montana, in general, is they don't let the weather get them down. They get out in it, and they put the gear on." said Traci Mark, photographer and Red Lodge resident.