High Wind Warning Issued for Montana's Rocky Mountain Front and High Plains
NWS Great Falls has issued a High Wind Warning for parts of Montana, forecasting gusts up to 85 mph and potentially exceeding 100 mph starting Wednesday morning.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Great Falls, MT, has issued a High Wind Warning for the Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. This alert indicates that severe wind conditions are expected, posing a threat to property and travel safety.
Affected Areas
The following geographic regions in Montana are under the warning:
- East Glacier Park Region
- Northern High Plains
- Southern Rocky Mountain Front
- Southern High Plains
What You Should Do
Residents in the warning area are urged to secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Travel could be dangerous, especially for high-profile or lightweight vehicles; operators of these vehicles should consider delaying travel until conditions improve. Residents should continue to monitor the latest forecasts for updates.
Expected Conditions
Under the High Wind Warning, sustained west winds of 40 to 50 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 85 mph. Along the immediate eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountain Front, winds may gust over 100 mph at times.
Additionally, a High Wind Watch is in effect for some areas, where west winds of 45 to 55 mph and gusts up to 90 mph are possible. These winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages.
Timeline
The High Wind Warning is effective from 2:00 AM to 11:00 PM MST on Wednesday, February 25. A High Wind Watch follows, remaining in effect from Wednesday evening through Friday morning.
Source: NOAA Official Notice