Winter storm hits north-central Montana

After watching steady rain through much of the morning, the Havre area took its first step into winter weather today with heavy snow starting to fall by 10 a.m.

Snow was accumulating despite relatively warm temperatures — still about freezing by noon — with more snow and colder temperatures forecast for the afternoon.

A winter storm warning is in effect for the Havre, Chinook, Stanford and Lewistown areas, with snow accumulations of 4 inches to 8 inches in the lower elevations and 8 to 16 inches in the mountains. Near whiteout conditions are forecast in the Havre, Chinook and Harlem area at ti...