Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Discussion 92

   Mesoscale Discussion 0092
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0748 PM CST Tue Feb 17 2026

   Areas affected...portions of northeastern Montana

   Concerning...Blizzard 

   Valid 180148Z - 180445Z

   SUMMARY...At least brief bouts of blizzard conditions are possible
   over the next few hours. Winds may sustain over 35 mph periodically,
   and overlap with at least moderate snow, potentially resulting in
   bouts of reduced visibility.

   DISCUSSION...Surface troughing continues to progress eastward across
   the northern Plains, supporting very strong surface-850 mb cold-air
   advection across portions of northeast Montana. Amid this cold-air
   advection is a pronounced band of snow, with at least moderate
   snowfall rates likely occurring given the presence of a 1-km deep,
   saturated dendritic growth zone per latest mesoanalysis and RAP
   forecast soundings. Furthermore, latest mesoanalysis trends also
   depict increasing flow in the 925-850 mb layer, perhaps exceeding 50
   kts at times. When also considering strong gradient surface flow
   already present in the region, any form of downward momentum
   transport could support wind fields meeting blizzard criteria, at
   least on a spotty basis. These winds may coincide with at least
   moderate snowfall rates, leading to reduced visibility. 

   Potential blizzard conditions are expected to persist for at least
   the next 3-4 hours. These conditions may first develop closer to the
   Glasgow area and approach the ND border later.

   ..Squitieri.. 02/18/2026

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...GGW...

   LAT...LON   48940759 49120609 49110497 48820431 48230422 47700437
               47330485 47190557 47280611 47590680 48160741 48940759