Western Montana is waking up to a taste of winter with several inches of new, wet snow. Meteorologist Trent Smith with the National Weather Service in Missoula has details.

“We’ve got a secondary cold front that’s moving through western Montana right now and that’s what’s causing the intensity of the snow,” said Smith. “This will probably last a few more hours as the back edge is moving through central Idaho. Then, after that we’ll probably just see some snow showers and things should start diminishing by the afternoon and evening hours.”

Smith said traveling conditions will become more difficult on the passes surrounding Missoula.

“Right now, the mountain passes are looking about the same as Missoula,” he said. “They’re pretty well snow covered. Lookout Pass as far as we’re informed has chains required on them, so it’s going to be an interesting drive if you’re trying to head over the passes today.”

Smith says winter weather advisories are in effect throughout western Montana until this evening.

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