High Wind Warning Issued for Cascade County and Central Montana Through Friday Morning
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for Central Montana, with gusts up to 70 mph expected to impact travel and property through Friday.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a High Wind Warning for multiple regions in Central Montana. The alert was issued by the NWS Great Falls MT office and remains in effect through Friday morning.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following geographic regions:
- Cascade County (below 5000ft)
- Judith Basin County and Judith Gap
- Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass
- Gates of the Mountains
- Little Belt and Highwood Mountains
- Helena Valley
- Big Belt, Bridger, and Castle Mountains
What You Should Do
Residents and travelers in the warning area should take the following actions:
- Secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.
- Exercise caution while traveling, particularly if operating high-profile vehicles which may be difficult to control in high winds.
- Monitor the latest forecasts and weather updates for changes in conditions.
- Prepare for the possibility of power outages caused by wind damage.
Expected Conditions
Forecasters expect west and southwest winds to maintain speeds between 30 and 40 mph. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 70 mph. These high winds may move loose debris and have the potential to damage property.
Timeline
The alert follows a two-phase schedule:
- Initial Warning: Remains in effect until 11:00 PM MST Wednesday.
- Extended Warning: A second High Wind Warning is in effect from midnight Wednesday night until 11:00 AM MST Friday.
Source: NOAA Official Notice