snow

Ask five Montanans about what time is appropriate to start snow blowing, and you'll get five different opinions. Snow blowing etiquette exists, but snow blowing TOLERANCE is more important.

You knew it was coming sooner or later. The first big snowstorm of the year is coming, starting tonight, and I'm going to tell you all of the things that you will hear tomorrow somewhere in Montana.

Well that escalated quickly. Nobody ever said Montana weather was boring. Some mountains in southwest Montana may get hammered this weekend with 10 to 20 inches of snow piling up by Sunday afternoon.

Dan Borsum with the National Weather Service: "This cold is going to persist into the weekend. So we are really back into full-on winter mode..."

We'll go from sunshine and highs in the low 70s on Friday, to snow and mid-30s by early next week.

Another round of very cold temps, snow and gusty wind is invading Montana through Wednesday morning. The valleys are only supposed to get a few inches of snow out of the deal, but travel may still become sketchy during this advisory.

Billings, I know you're getting used to warmer weather, but I'm afraid I've got some bad news. We've got to get prepared for another round of snow and cold temps.

Here are a few helpful tips to help you survive through Montana's harsh winters.

11 inches of snow was reported south of Livingston. Nine inches was reported in the mountains south of Billings. Great Falls saw smaller amounts closer to 3 or 4 inches.

Warm temps leading into a sudden cold snap and many inches of snow do not bode well for most of Montana. Wet roads freezing overnight and a constant stream of snow, AND some gusty winds will create the perfect storm for terrible conditions.