Alert archive / Montana / High Wind Warnings in 2020

High Wind Warning 1, NWS Missoula, MT

January 3, 20204 counties in Montana

NWS Missoula, MT issued this high wind warning at Jan 3, 2020, 8:21 AM MST for 4 counties in Montana. It took effect at Jan 4, 2020, 8:00 AM MST. It was in force for 11 hr. 12 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jan 3, 2020, 8:21 AM MST (15:21 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 4, 2020, 8:00 AM MST
Expired
Jan 4, 2020, 7:11 PM MST
In force
11 hr
Issued by
NWS Missoula, MT

Counties Flathead County, MT, Lake County, MT, Lincoln County, MT, Sanders County, MT

The radar

The Missoula radar (KMSX), 122 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 15:22 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jan 4, 12:00 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 444 Se Essex, MTMESONET STATION S11MT SHED 11.
Jan 4, 12:00 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 495 Ene Blacktail - Railr, MTMESONET STATION MRPMT MARIAS PASS.
Jan 4, 1:00 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 482 Sw Blacktail - Railro, MTMESONET STATION SH7MT SHED 7.
Jan 4, 1:00 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 663 Wsw Blacktail - Railr, MTMESONET STATION SNSLP 2.9 W BLACKTAIL - RAILROAD ID (GNP).
Jan 4, 1:06 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 508 Ene Libby, MTMESONET STATION ZONM8 ZONOLITE.
Jan 4, 1:09 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 736 Wsw Trailcreek, MTMESONET STATION CYFM8 HORNET MOUNTAIN.
Jan 4, 2:00 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 516 E Lonepine, MTMESONET STATION MTM57 5.7 E LONEPINE (MT-MESO).
Jan 4, 2:00 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 526 N Whitefish, MTMESONET STATION BIGMS 6.3 N WHITEFISH (GNP).
Jan 4, 2:02 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 413 Ese Thompson Falls, MTMESONET STATION THAM8 THOMPSON FALLS RAWS.
Jan 4, 2:11 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 52Hungry Horse, MTHUNGRY HORSE RAWS.
Jan 4, 2:42 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 411 E Blacktail - Railroa, MTMESONET STATION FIEM8 5 W MARIAS PASS.
Jan 4, 3:00 PM MSTNON-TSTM WND GST 525 Ene Lonepine, MTMESONET STATION MTM58 4.8 E LONEPINE (MT-MESO).

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Spokane, WA (KOTX), launched 12:00Z, 3.4 hours before the alert went out and 135 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Spokane, WA at 12:00Z on 2020-01-03Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Spokane, WA at 12:00Z on 2020-01-03The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 312 square meters per square second.1939587897117136Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
645 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
66 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
312 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
397 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

354 
WWUS75 KMSO 031521
NPWMSO

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
821 AM MST Fri Jan 3 2020

MTZ001-042100-
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
821 AM MST Fri Jan 3 2020

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM MST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
  expected. Strongest winds will be along the Highway 93 corridor
  from Eureka to Whitefish. Winds in high terrain will be in 
  excess of 70 mph or higher at times. 

* WHERE...Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, Highway 37 Eureka to 
  Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and Highway 93 Eureka to 
  Whitefish.

* SNOW: Blowing snow will also be an issue in areas where snow is
  falling and combines with strong winds, creating very low 
  visibility. Backcountry conditions will be hazardous.

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be 
  difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.

&&

$$

MTZ002-042100-
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
West Glacier Region-
821 AM MST Fri Jan 3 2020

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM MST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts up to 65 mph
  expected. Winds in high terrain will be in excess of 70 mph or 
  higher at times. 

* WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan 
  Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge.

* SNOW: Blowing snow will also be an issue in areas where snow is
  falling and combines with strong winds, creating very low 
  visibility. Backcountry conditions will be hazardous.

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be 
  difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.

&&

$$

MTZ003-042100-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WI.Y.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
Flathead/Mission Valleys-
821 AM MST Fri Jan 3 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM MST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph
  expected. Winds in high terrain will be in excess of 70 mph or 
  higher at times. 

* WHERE...Flathead Lake, Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, and 
  Polson.

* SNOW: Snow showers will combine with gusty winds to create
  periods of low visibility. Backcountry conditions may become
  dangerous. 

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

MTZ004-043-042100-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WI.Y.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
821 AM MST Fri Jan 3 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM MST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected. Winds in high terrain will be in excess of 70 mph or 
  higher at times. 

* WHERE...Evaro Hill, Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains, 
  Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron, I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan, 
  Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley Lake to 
  Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth.

* SNOW: Snow showers will combine with gusty winds to create
  periods of low visibility. Backcountry conditions may become
  dangerous. 

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

MTZ005-006-042100-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WI.Y.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys-Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
821 AM MST Fri Jan 3 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM MST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph 
  expected. Winds in high terrain will be in excess of 70 mph or 
  higher at times. 

* WHERE...Bitterroot Valley, Missoula, Highway 93 Sula to Lost 
  Trail Pass, and Lolo Pass.

* SNOW: Snow showers will combine with gusty winds to create
  periods of low visibility. Backcountry conditions may become
  dangerous. 

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

MTZ007-042100-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WI.Y.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
Butte/Blackfoot Region-
821 AM MST Fri Jan 3 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM MST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected. Winds in high terrain will be in excess of 70 mph or 
  higher at times. 

* WHERE...Butte, Georgetown Lake, Highway 12 Garrison to 
  Elliston, Homestake Pass, and MacDonald Pass.

* SNOW: Snow showers will combine with gusty winds to create
  periods of low visibility. Backcountry conditions may become
  dangerous. 

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$
2 follow-up statements
091 
WWUS75 KMSO 041142
NPWMSO

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
442 AM MST Sat Jan 4 2020

MTZ001-050600-
/O.CON.KMSO.HW.W.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
442 AM MST Sat Jan 4 2020

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM MST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph 
  expected. Strongest winds will be along the Highway 93 
  corridor from Eureka to Whitefish. Winds in high terrain will 
  be in excess of 70 mph or higher at times.

* WHERE...Highway 2 Kalispell to Libby, Highway 37 Eureka to 
  Libby, Highway 56 Bull Lake Road, and Highway 93 Eureka to 
  Whitefish.

* SNOW: Blowing snow will also be an issue in areas where snow 
  is falling and combines with strong winds, creating very low 
  visibility. Backcountry conditions will be hazardous.

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be 
  difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.

&&

$$

MTZ002-050600-
/O.CON.KMSO.HW.W.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
West Glacier Region-
442 AM MST Sat Jan 4 2020

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM MST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts up to 65 mph 
  expected. Winds in high terrain will be in excess of 70 mph or 
  higher at times.

* WHERE...Bad Rock Canyon, Essex, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan 
  Lake, Marias Pass, and Polebridge.

* SNOW: Blowing snow will also be an issue in areas where snow 
  is falling and combines with strong winds, creating very low 
  visibility. Backcountry conditions will be hazardous.

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be 
  difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.

&&

$$

MTZ003-050600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WI.Y.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
Flathead/Mission Valleys-
442 AM MST Sat Jan 4 2020

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM MST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph 
  expected. Winds in high terrain will be in excess of 70 mph or 
  higher at times.

* WHERE...Flathead Lake, Flathead Valley, Mission Valley, and 
  Polson.

* SNOW: Snow showers will combine with gusty winds to create 
  periods of low visibility. Backcountry conditions may become 
  dangerous.

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

MTZ004-043-050600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WI.Y.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
442 AM MST Sat Jan 4 2020

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM MST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected.
  Winds in high terrain will be in excess of 60 mph or higher at 
  times.

* WHERE...Evaro Hill, Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains, 
  Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron, I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan, 
  Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley Lake to 
  Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth.

* SNOW: Snow showers will combine with gusty winds to create 
  periods of low visibility. Backcountry conditions may become 
  dangerous.

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

MTZ005-006-050600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WI.Y.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys-Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
442 AM MST Sat Jan 4 2020

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM MST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
  Winds gusting near 60 mph in the high terrain in the northern
  areas...near 50 mph in the southern mountains. 

* WHERE...Bitterroot Valley, Missoula, Highway 93 Sula to Lost 
  Trail Pass, and Lolo Pass.

* SNOW: Snow showers will combine with gusty winds to create 
  periods of low visibility. Backcountry conditions may become 
  dangerous.

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$

MTZ007-050600-
/O.CON.KMSO.WI.Y.0001.200104T1500Z-200105T0600Z/
Butte/Blackfoot Region-
442 AM MST Sat Jan 4 2020

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM MST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected.
  Winds in high terrain will be in excess of 60 mph or higher at 
  times.

* WHERE...Butte, Georgetown Lake, Highway 12 Garrison to 
  Elliston, Homestake Pass, and MacDonald Pass.

* SNOW: Snow showers will combine with gusty winds to create 
  periods of low visibility. Backcountry conditions may become 
  dangerous.

* WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. 
  Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may 
  result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

&&

$$
048 
WWUS75 KMSO 050211
NPWMSO

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
711 PM MST Sat Jan 4 2020

MTZ001-002-050315-
/O.CAN.KMSO.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-200105T0600Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-West Glacier Region-
711 PM MST Sat Jan 4 2020

...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Winds are decreasing rapidly this evening, though some breezy
conditions will continue for a while the high impact winds have
ended.

$$

MTZ003>007-043-050315-
/O.CAN.KMSO.WI.Y.0001.000000T0000Z-200105T0600Z/
Flathead/Mission Valleys-Lower Clark Fork Region-
Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys-Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
Butte/Blackfoot Region-Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
711 PM MST Sat Jan 4 2020

...WIND ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Winds are decreasing rapidly this evening, though some breezy
conditions will continue for a while the high impact winds have
ended.

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Missoula, MT issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 3, 8:21 AM MSTWind AdvisoryMSODeer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Lake, Mineral, Missoula and 4 more35 hr

Nearby

High Wind Warnings in Montana, 2020Every high wind warning in 2020

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.