Montana’s Strongest Wind Ever Recorded Might Shock You

Wind, wind, wind. That has been the conversation across Montana lately. This past week has been especially rough in several areas. Reports have included downed power lines, trees blown over, damaged roofs, and even semi trucks tipped over by strong gusts. In Billings, some of the well known buffalo statues were even pushed around by the storm.

It has definitely been a wild stretch of weather. But it also raises an interesting question. When was the windiest moment in Montana history? Before getting to that record, it helps to understand how wind strength is categorized. The National Weather Service uses a scale that ranks wind intensity from 0 to 12. Starting off in the category most of Montana has been in recently... Level 9.

Level 9, called a strong gale, includes winds between about 47 and 54 miles per hour. At this point you can start seeing structural damage like roofing material coming loose and antennas bending or breaking.
Level 10, often referred to as a whole gale, includes winds between 55 and 63 miles per hour. Small trees may be knocked over and roof damage becomes more common.
Level 11, known as storm force winds, ranges from 64 to 75 miles per hour. Damage becomes widespread and larger trees can be uprooted.
Level 12 is hurricane force, which begins at 75 miles per hour and higher. Winds at this level can tear roofs apart, shatter windows, and even push vehicles off the road.

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Montana’s all-time wind record happened on February 21, 2002 near Choteau at the Miller Colony. Gusts that day reached an incredible 143 miles per hour. To put that into perspective, that is similar to the power of a Category 4 hurricane or a powerful tornado. Did you have any wind damage from the storm? Share your stories and pictures with us HERE!

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Source: Montana’s Strongest Wind Ever Recorded Might Shock You