Montana Weather Alert: Freezing Drizzle and Fog Create Dangerous Tuesday Commute
BILLINGS, Mont. — Commuters across southern and central Montana faced a dangerous start to Tuesday as freezing drizzle and dense fog created slick roads and near-zero visibility along major routes, according to the National Weather Service in Billings.
Icy Roads and Low Visibility Across Southern Montana
The weather advisory, issued early Tuesday, warns that patchy freezing drizzle could quickly turn roadways icy, while fog may reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile in valleys and higher terrain routes.
Drivers traveling on Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 212, and connecting routes near Livingston, Red Lodge, Hardin, and Sheridan are urged to use extreme caution.
Officials noted that bridges and overpasses will be the first to freeze, posing the greatest hazard for early-morning traffic.
(Source: Country Herald Weather Center)
Travel Delays Likely Through Late Morning
The National Weather Service said conditions are expected to improve by late morning as temperatures rise slightly above freezing. Until then, motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, avoid sudden braking, and check updated road reports via 511mt.net for Montana or maproad.info for nearby Wyoming highways.
Authorities also recommend delaying non-essential travel until the drizzle and fog lift later in the day.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Transportation officials offered several reminders to help residents stay safe during the icy commute:
- Drive slowly and increase following distance.
- Use low-beam headlights in fog to improve visibility.
- Avoid using cruise control on slick surfaces.
- Stay updated on changing weather advisories throughout the morning.
Conditions Improve by Afternoon
Forecasters expect skies to gradually clear by Tuesday afternoon, with temperatures climbing into the low 40s and drier weather prevailing into Wednesday. However, colder overnight lows could cause re-freezing on untreated roads later in the evening.
As winter weather patterns begin to settle into the region, residents are reminded that October often brings Montana’s first taste of icy travel, signaling the start of the long cold season ahead.
Stay informed with more regional weather alerts and safety updates at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
