Alert archive / Montana / High Wind Watches in 2021

High Wind Watch 2, NWS Missoula, MT

January 11, 202111 counties in Montana; Clearwater County, Idaho County, Idaho

NWS Missoula, MT issued this high wind watch at Jan 11, 2021, 2:39 PM MST for 11 counties in Montana; Clearwater County, Idaho County, Idaho. It took effect at Jan 12, 2021, 11:00 PM MST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 11, 2021, 2:39 PM MST (21:39 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 12, 2021, 11:00 PM MST
Expired
Jan 12, 2021, 12:03 PM MST
In force
Issued by
NWS Missoula, MT

Counties Clearwater County, ID, Idaho County, ID, Deer Lodge County, MT, Flathead County, MT, Granite County, MT, Lake County, MT, Lincoln County, MT, Mineral County, MT, Missoula County, MT, Powell County, MT, Ravalli County, MT, Sanders County, MT, Silver Bow County, MT

The radar

The Missoula radar (KMSX), 22 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:38 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.

The nearest sounding before it

Spokane, WA (KOTX), launched 12:00Z, 9.7 hours before the alert went out and 185 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 2021-01-11Temperature 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 2021-01-11The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 168 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 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
986 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
50 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
168 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
196 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

946 
WWUS75 KMSO 112139
NPWMSO

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
239 PM MST Mon Jan 11 2021

IDZ007-122145-
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.A.0002.210113T0600Z-210113T1800Z/
Orofino/Grangeville Region-
139 PM PST Mon Jan 11 2021

...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY EVENING THROUGH
WEDNESDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...South winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 65 mph possible.

* WHERE...Camas Prairie, Grangeville and vicinity, and Greer 
  Grade.

* WHEN...From Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe
location prior to the onset of winds.

&&

$$

MTZ001>007-043-122145-
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.A.0002.210113T1000Z-210114T0300Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-West Glacier Region-
Flathead/Mission Valleys-Lower Clark Fork Region-
Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys-Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
Butte/Blackfoot Region-Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
239 PM MST Mon Jan 11 2021

...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH
WEDNESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 55 mph 
  possible.

* WHERE...Kootenai/Cabinet Region, West Glacier Region, 
  Flathead/Mission Valleys, Lower Clark Fork Region, 
  Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys, Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains, 
  Butte/Blackfoot Region and Potomac/Seeley Lake Region.

* WHEN...From late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe
location prior to the onset of winds.

&&

$$
1 follow-up statement
754 
WWUS75 KMSO 121903
NPWMSO

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
1203 PM MST Tue Jan 12 2021

IDZ007-131800-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0002.210113T0600Z-210113T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0001.210113T0600Z-210113T1500Z/
Orofino/Grangeville Region-
1103 AM PST Tue Jan 12 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
PST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph
  expected. Occasional gusts up to 65 mph are possible.

* WHERE...Grangeville and vicinity.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 7 AM PST Wednesday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ005-131915-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0002.210113T1000Z-210114T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0001.210113T1200Z-210114T0400Z/
Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys-
1203 PM MST Tue Jan 12 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 9 PM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
  expected. Occasional isolated gusts in excess of 60 mph are
  possible between 7 AM and 12 PM along and behind the cold 
  front.

* WHERE...Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 9 PM MST Wednesday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ007-043-131915-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0002.210113T1000Z-210114T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0001.210113T1200Z-210114T0400Z/
Butte/Blackfoot Region-Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
1203 PM MST Tue Jan 12 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 9 PM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts near 60 mph
  expected. The highest wind gusts are expected to be along
  Interstate 90 from Deer Lodge to Anaconda.

* WHERE...Butte, Georgetown Lake, Highway 12 Garrison to 
  Elliston, Homestake Pass, MacDonald Pass, Highway 200 Bonner 
  to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, and I-90 East 
  Missoula to Bearmouth.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 9 PM MST Wednesday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ002-131915-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0002.210113T1000Z-210114T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0001.210113T1200Z-210114T0400Z/
West Glacier Region-
1203 PM MST Tue Jan 12 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 9 PM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph
  expected. Snow and blowing snow along with the strong winds are
  expected at Marias Pass. Travel will be difficult due to low
  visibility from blowing snow.

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

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 9 PM MST Wednesday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ004-131915-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0002.210113T1000Z-210114T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WI.Y.0002.210113T1100Z-210114T0400Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
1203 PM MST Tue Jan 12 2021

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 9 PM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Evaro Hill, Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains, 
  Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron, and I-90 Lookout Pass to 
  Haugan.

* WHEN...From 4 AM to 9 PM MST Wednesday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ001-003-131915-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0002.210113T1000Z-210114T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WI.Y.0002.210113T1100Z-210114T0400Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-Flathead/Mission Valleys-
1203 PM MST Tue Jan 12 2021

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 9 PM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
  expected. The strongest winds are expected to be along Highway
  93 from Whitefish to Eureka.

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

* WHEN...From 4 AM to 9 PM MST Wednesday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ006-131915-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0002.210113T1000Z-210114T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.WI.Y.0002.210113T1200Z-210114T0400Z/
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
1203 PM MST Tue Jan 12 2021

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 9 PM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 9 PM MST Wednesday.

* 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.

&&

$$

IDZ009-010-131915-
/O.NEW.KMSO.WI.Y.0002.210113T1200Z-210114T0400Z/
Western Lemhi County-Eastern Lemhi County-
1203 PM MST Tue Jan 12 2021

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 9 PM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Shoup, Bannock Pass, Highway 28 Tendoy to Lone Pine, 
  Highway 93 Lost Trail Pass to Gibbonsville, Lemhi Pass, and 
  Salmon.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 9 PM MST Wednesday.

* 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.

&&

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 11, 2:39 PM MSTWinter Weather AdvisoryMSOFlathead, Granite, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula and 2 more23 hr

Nearby

High Wind Watches in Montana, 2021High Wind Watches in Idaho, 2021Every high wind watch in 2021

Sources

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