Dangerous Flooding Possible For Montana Counties, Urban and Rural

With more heavy rains expected from Bozeman to Forsyth, city drainages along with rural creeks and streams are in danger of flooding through at least Friday night. Keep a keen eye on storm drains within city limits, as flooding/deep pooling can happen quickly.

Strong storm cells are expected to continue their march across Montana in the coming few days. They've been difficult to pinpoint for location's sake, so these Flood Watches are covering well over a dozen Montana counties. If you're road-tripping, be extra careful - strong weather cells can form very quickly.

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Not everyone will get nailed with heavy rains, strong winds, and damaging hail - but it's POSSIBLE, so keep hyper-aware. Those areas that get these storms (AND some areas downstream) are at risk for flooding.

Towns that are included in the various Flood Watches that have been issued: Livingston, Big Timber, Red Lodge, Harlowton, Ryegate, Roundup, Malta, Glasgow, Fort Peck Lake area, Jordan, Forsyth, Billings, Laurel, Hardin, Crow Agency, Colstrip, Lame Deer, and several others in between.

THE FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING.
WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
WHERE...Portions of Montana, including the following counties, Big Horn, Carbon, Golden Valley, Musselshell, Park, Rosebud, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure, Wheatland, and Yellowstone counties.
Also included: Portions of north central Wyoming, including the following county, Sheridan.
WHEN...From Noon Thursday through Friday evening.
IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.
Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Burn scars may experience flash flooding and debris flows.
This includes the American Fork, Robertson Draw, Crater Ridge, BobCat, Peterson, Crooked Creek, and Richard Spring burn scars.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS... 1 to 2 inches of rainfall is forecast for the watch area by Saturday morning. Locally heavier accumulations are possible.
You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

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Larger cities such as Bozeman, Livingston, Billings, and others may experience storm drainage flooding which can be not just frustrating...but damaging to nearby buildings. It's always best to slow down if you notice any water pooling on street corners. There's no need to make potential problems worse!

(Bozeman is notorious for having storm drains extremely close to downtown buildings with very little sidewalk in between for 'protection'. Those who drive fast through the pooling water often force waves of water right into the front doors of businesses.)

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

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