Really Strong Winds to Whip NW Montana, 60 MPH Possible

Travel may be impacted, as High Wind Warnings have been issued for several counties in northwest and north central Montana through Wednesday afternoon.

Keep a keen eye on weather updates for northwest Montana if you're planning on driving through the area, ESPECIALLY if you have a high profile vehicle. Towing units could be difficult.

The very NW corner of the state is also dealing with additional warnings, in addition to the full High Wind Warning details listed below. The very NW corner of Montana could experience:

• A cold front will trigger showers and a few thunderstorms capable of producing strong and erratic winds over 50 mph, small hail, lightning and waves up to 3 feet on area lakes.
• WHERE...Flathead/Mission Valleys, Kootenai/Cabinet Region, West Glacier Region, and Lower Clark Fork Region. Flathead Lake, Noxon Reservoir, Lake Koocanusa, Whitefish Lake, Swan Lake and Lake MacDonald.

Several MORE counties will experience the following with the High Wind Warnings:

• A HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM WEDNESDAY EVENING TO 3 PM THURSDAY.
• WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.
• WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties, and Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties.
• WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 3 PM Thursday.
• IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages.
• Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong Pacific cold front will bring the potential for strong winds late this evening through the overnight hours, with additional strong wind potential Thursday morning into the early afternoon.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.

Get our free mobile app

Remember, a High Wind Warning means that there is at least an 80% chance of 40 mph sustained winds or 58 mph wind gusts occurring during the warning period.