Alert archive / Montana / High Wind Watches in 2021

High Wind Watch 4, NWS Missoula, MT

March 26, 202111 counties in Montana

NWS Missoula, MT issued this high wind watch at Mar 26, 2021, 1:49 PM MDT for 11 counties in Montana. It took effect at Mar 28, 2021, 3:00 PM MDT. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Mar 26, 2021, 1:49 PM MDT (19:49 UTC)
In effect from
Mar 28, 2021, 3:00 PM MDT
Expired
Mar 27, 2021, 1:58 PM MDT
In force
Issued by
NWS Missoula, MT

Counties 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), 2 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:49 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, 7.8 hours before the alert went out and 195 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 2021-03-26Temperature 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 2021-03-26The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 30 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 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
1911 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
65 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
30 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
161 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

665 
WWUS75 KMSO 261949
NPWMSO

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
149 PM MDT Fri Mar 26 2021

MTZ001>007-043-272000-
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210329T0600Z-210329T1800Z/
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-
149 PM MDT Fri Mar 26 2021

...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 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 Sunday night through Monday 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.

&&

$$
2 follow-up statements
031 
WWUS75 KMSO 270918
NPWMSO

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
318 AM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

MTZ001>004-280930-
/O.EXT.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210328T2100Z-210329T1200Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-West Glacier Region-
Flathead/Mission Valleys-Lower Clark Fork Region-
318 AM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
LATE SUNDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  possible.

* WHERE...Lower Clark Fork Region, Flathead/Mission Valleys, 
  West Glacier Region and Kootenai/Cabinet Region.

* WHEN...From Sunday afternoon through late Sunday night.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ005>007-043-280930-
/O.EXT.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210329T0000Z-210329T1800Z/
Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys-Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
Butte/Blackfoot Region-Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
318 AM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  possible.

* WHERE...Butte/Blackfoot Region, Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains, 
  Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys and Potomac/Seeley Lake Region.

* WHEN...From Sunday evening through Monday 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.

&&

$$
841 
WWUS75 KMSO 271958
NPWMSO

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Missoula MT
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

MTZ002-282000-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210328T2100Z-210329T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210328T2100Z-210329T1200Z/
West Glacier Region-
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM SUNDAY TO 6 AM MDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph
  expected. The combination of heavy snow and strong wind late
  Sunday night will produce low visibility with blowing snow and
  slick conditions at Marias Pass. Four to seven inches of snow 
  is expected at the pass.

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

* WHEN...From 3 PM Sunday to 6 AM MDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ001-282000-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210328T2100Z-210329T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210328T2100Z-210329T1200Z/
Kootenai/Cabinet Region-
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM SUNDAY TO 6 AM MDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph
  expected. The strongest winds will occur late evening with the
  cold front passage.

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

* WHEN...From 3 PM Sunday to 6 AM MDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ003-282000-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210328T2100Z-210329T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210328T2100Z-210329T1200Z/
Flathead/Mission Valleys-
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM SUNDAY TO 6 AM MDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph
  expected. The strongest winds will accompany the cold front
  later in the evening.

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

* WHEN...From 3 PM Sunday to 6 AM MDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ004-282000-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210328T2100Z-210329T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210328T2100Z-210329T1200Z/
Lower Clark Fork Region-
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM SUNDAY TO 6 AM MDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph
  expected. The strongest winds will occur with the cold front
  passage later in the evening. A brief period of heavy snow is
  expected at Lookout Pass. Snow accumulations at the pass could
  range between 3 and 5 inches.

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

* WHEN...From 3 PM Sunday to 6 AM MDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ043-282000-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210329T0000Z-210329T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210329T0300Z-210329T1200Z/
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region-
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM SUNDAY TO 6 AM MDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.
  Snow accumulations between 1 and 2 inches is expected with the
  cold front and roads could be slick near daybreak.

* WHERE...Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley 
  Lake to Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth.

* WHEN...From 9 PM Sunday to 6 AM MDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ005-282000-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210329T0000Z-210329T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210329T0300Z-210329T1200Z/
Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys-
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM SUNDAY TO 6 AM MDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 55 mph
  expected. Higher gusts are expected between Florence and
  Stevensville.

* WHERE...Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys.

* WHEN...From 9 PM Sunday to 6 AM MDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ006-282000-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210329T0000Z-210329T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210329T0200Z-210329T1500Z/
Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains-
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM SUNDAY TO 9 AM MDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected.
  Gusts to 55 mph are expected at Lolo Pass and Lost Trail Pass.
  Between one to two hours of heavy snow, blowing snow and the
  strongest winds will accompany the cold front passage overnight.
  A dramatic temperature drop will cause roads to freeze and
  travel could become treacherous. Four to seven inches is
  expected at Lolo Pass...two to four inches is expected at Lost
  Trail. 

* WHERE...Bitterroot/Sapphire Mountains.

* WHEN...From 8 PM Sunday to 9 AM MDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

MTZ007-282000-
/O.UPG.KMSO.HW.A.0004.210329T0000Z-210329T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210329T0200Z-210329T1500Z/
Butte/Blackfoot Region-
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM SUNDAY TO 9 AM MDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest to West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60
  mph expected. Between one to two hours of heavy snow, blowing
  snow and the strongest winds will accompany the cold front
  passage overnight. A dramatic temperature drop will cause roads
  to freeze and travel could become treacherous. One to three
  inches of snowfall is expected.

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

* WHEN...From 8 PM Sunday to 9 AM MDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

IDZ009-282000-
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210329T0600Z-210329T1500Z/
Western Lemhi County-
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT SUNDAY NIGHT TO 9 AM
MDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.
  Between one to two hours of heavy snow, blowing snow and the
  strongest winds will accompany the cold front passage overnight.
  A dramatic temperature drop will cause roads to freeze and
  travel could become treacherous. Two to four inches of snow is
  expected at Williams Creek Summit.

* WHERE...Western Lemhi County including Williams Creek Summit.

* WHEN...From midnight Sunday night to 9 AM MDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

IDZ010-282000-
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210329T0600Z-210329T1500Z/
Eastern Lemhi County-
158 PM MDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT SUNDAY NIGHT TO 9 AM
MDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.
  A brief period of heavy snow will occur with the cold front.
  Some roadways may become slick near daybreak Monday.

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

* WHEN...From midnight Sunday night to 9 AM MDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

IDZ005-282000-
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210329T0300Z-210329T1200Z/
Northern Clearwater Mountains-
1258 PM PDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM SUNDAY TO 5 AM PDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph 
  expected. Two to four inches of snow accumulation is expected.

* WHERE...Elk River, Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, and 
  Pierce.

* WHEN...From 8 PM Sunday to 5 AM PDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

IDZ007-282000-
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210329T0300Z-210329T1200Z/
Orofino/Grangeville Region-
1258 PM PDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM SUNDAY TO 5 AM PDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...South to west winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph
  expected. One to two inches of snow is expected in the
  Grangemont Road area.

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

* WHEN...From 8 PM Sunday to 5 AM PDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

IDZ006-282000-
/O.NEW.KMSO.HW.W.0003.210329T0300Z-210329T1200Z/
Southern Clearwater Mountains-
1258 PM PDT Sat Mar 27 2021

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM SUNDAY TO 5 AM PDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.
  Between one to two hours of heavy snow, blowing snow and the
  strongest winds will accompany the cold front passage overnight.
  A dramatic temperature drop will cause roads to freeze and
  travel could become treacherous. Snow amounts will range from 2
  to 7 inches.

* WHERE...Dixie, Elk City, and Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass.

* WHEN...From 8 PM Sunday to 5 AM PDT Monday.

* 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.

&&

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 25, 6:58 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementMSOSilver Bow62 min
Mar 26, 11:59 AM MDTFire Weather WatchMSOBeaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Jefferson, Madison, Powell and 1 more24 hr

Nearby

High Wind Watches in Montana, 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.