Large snowstorm to combine with Arctic outbreak; lead to business interruption

Heavy snowfall is expected to spread from Montana to northern Wyoming and South Dakota Friday into Saturday. Significant travel disruptions are anticipated as roads will quickly become snow covered and slippery as temperatures steadily fall. The snow will gradually work its way down into Colorado and portions of Nebraska and Kansas later in the weekend. 

In addition to the snow, a second, more intense push of Arctic air is expected to impact the northern Rockies and northern Plains this weekend into early next week. However, this airmass will push much farther south than its predecessor.

Average temperatures will be as much as 30 to 40 degrees below normal from Montana to Colorado this weekend. By Monday and Tuesday, there will be a sharp turn to much colder weather over the central and southern Plains with 24-hour temperature changes of 20 to 40 degrees F.

In addition to the cold, there is the potential for snow and ice as far south as the Texas panhandle and western Oklahoma later Monday into early Tuesday. This may result in significant travel disruptions.

AccuWeather meteorologists will continue to monitor this potential winter-like weather event through this week. 

• Establish an emergency communication plan. Share employee, client, and vendor contact information before the storm and disseminate the plan to critical staff
• Retail: Shovel and salt walkways, dry high traffic areas inside near your entrance, put up “Wet Floor” signs, and keep all floors clear to help prevent falls and reduce liability
• Expect ground logistics disruption due to road closures, downed trees and power outages