Alert archive / Montana / High Wind Warnings in 2024
High Wind Warning 9, NWS Great Falls, MT
NWS Great Falls, MT issued this high wind warning at May 5, 2024, 2:00 PM MDT for 16 counties in Montana. It took effect at May 6, 2024, 12:00 PM MDT. It was in force for 42 hr. 60 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
- May 5, 2024, 2:00 PM MDT (20:00 UTC)
- In effect from
- May 6, 2024, 12:00 PM MDT
- Expired
- May 8, 2024, 6:00 AM MDT
- In force
- 42 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Great Falls, MT
Counties Blaine County, MT, Broadwater County, MT, Cascade County, MT, Chouteau County, MT, Fergus County, MT, Gallatin County, MT, Glacier County, MT, Hill County, MT, Jefferson County, MT, Judith Basin County, MT, Lewis and Clark County, MT, Liberty County, MT, Meagher County, MT, Pondera County, MT, Teton County, MT, Toole County, MT
The radar
The Great Falls radar (KTFX), 18 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:03 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
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 12:00 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 53 | 13 S Marysville, MT | Mesonet station MTMDP MacDonald Pass (MT DOT). |
| May 6, 12:29 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 11 Wnw Augusta, MT | Mesonet station TR276 L-C Portable No. 1. |
| May 6, 12:30 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 45 | 8 Ssw Wolf Creek, MT | Mesonet station MTSBN Sieben Flats - MDT. |
| May 6, 1:09 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | Babb, MT | Peak wind gust of 66 mph at Howards Lodge Ambient Station. |
| May 6, 1:15 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 13 S Marysville, MT | Mesonet station MTMDP MacDonald Pass (MT DOT). |
| May 6, 1:19 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 52 | 2 E Helena, MT | ASOS station KHLN Helena Airport. |
| May 6, 2:29 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 11 Wnw Augusta, MT | Mesonet station TR276 L-C Portable No. 1. |
| May 6, 2:30 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| May 6, 3:15 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 6 Nw Ledger, MT | Mesonet station MTM05 ARC-WTri Conrad. |
| May 6, 3:25 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 19 Wnw Santa Rita, MT | Peak gust of 67 mph measured at LJ Johnson Farms Ambient Station. |
| May 6, 3:32 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 3 Wsw Geyser, MT | Peak gust of 60 mph at Red Barn Ambient Station W of Geyser. |
| May 6, 4:00 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 51 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| May 6, 4:15 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 51 | 13 Sse Forestgrove, MT | AWOS station KMVH N Bar Ranch AWOS. |
| May 6, 5:21 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
| May 6, 5:45 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 52 | 15 Wnw Wolf Creek, MT | Mesonet station MTROG Rogers Pass (MT DOT). |
| May 6, 6:00 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 50 | 2 Sse Geyser, MT | Mesonet station MTGYS Geyser (MT DOT). |
| May 6, 6:20 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | Winifred, MT | Peak gust of 61 mph measured om Winifred via Ambient Weather. |
| May 6, 6:29 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 69 | 11 Wnw Augusta, MT | Mesonet station TR276 L-C Portable No. 1. |
| May 6, 6:41 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 51 | 8 Nne Augusta, MT | AWOS station K1FM Foxtrot. |
| May 6, 6:52 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 54 | 7 Ese Hilger, MT | Mesonet station JPKM8 Judith Peak RAWS. |
| May 6, 8:45 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 13 S Marysville, MT | Mesonet station MTM68 4.8 S Blossburg (MT-MESO) Station Elevation: 6380 ft. |
| May 6, 10:35 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 13 Sse Forestgrove, MT | AWOS station KMVH N Bar Ranch AWOS Station Elevation: 4310 ft. |
| May 7, 12:19 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 1 E Roy, MT | AWOS station K1OM Oscar Station Elevation: 3466 ft. |
| May 7, 12:55 AM MDT | HIGH SUST WINDS 43 | 1 E Roy, MT | AWOS station K1OM Oscar. Sustained winds averaged 43 mph from 1155 pm on the 6th until 1255 am on the 7th. Station Elevation: 3466 ft. |
| May 7, 2:00 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 6 S Whitlash, MT | Mesonet station GW3546 WHITLASH SEVEN SOUTH Station Elevation: 4160 ft. |
| May 7, 2:30 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN) Station Elevation: 4710 ft. |
| May 7, 3:10 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 1 E Roy, MT | AWOS station K1OM Oscar. |
| May 7, 3:30 AM MDT | HIGH SUST WINDS 41 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). Average sustained winds over the last hour. Station Elevation: 4710 ft. |
| May 7, 3:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 13 S Marysville, MT | Mesonet station MTM68 4.8 S Blossburg (MT-MESO). |
| May 7, 3:52 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 7 Ese Hilger, MT | Mesonet station JPKM8 Judith Peak RAWS. |
| May 7, 3:57 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | Chester, MT | Mesonet station FW9939 Chester Station Elevation: 3126 ft. |
| May 7, 4:00 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| May 7, 4:18 AM MDT | HIGH SUST WINDS 43 | 13 S Fort Belknap, MT | Mesonet station FBLM8 Fort Belknap RAWS. Average sustained wind of 43 mph over the last hour. Station Elevation: 2665 ft. |
| May 7, 4:18 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 13 S Fort Belknap, MT | Mesonet station FBLM8 Fort Belknap RAWS. Gust occurred some time within the last hour. Station Elevation: 2665 ft. |
| May 7, 4:35 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 4 W Havre, MT | ASOS station KHVR Havre Airport Station Elevation: 2556 ft. |
| May 7, 4:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 8 Ese Fort Benton, MT | Mesonet station MTM02 10.2 S Loma (MT-MESO). |
| May 7, 5:18 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 13 S Fort Belknap, MT | Mesonet station FBLM8 Fort Belknap RAWS. |
| May 7, 5:29 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 11 Wnw Augusta, MT | Mesonet station TR276 L-C Portable No. 1. |
| May 7, 6:00 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 56 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| May 7, 6:00 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 7 Se Lothair, MT | Mesonet station GW3478 TCTIBER. |
| May 7, 6:15 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 71 | 13 Sse Forestgrove, MT | AWOS station KMVH N Bar Ranch AWOS. |
| May 7, 7:25 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 2 Se Ethridge, MT | Mesonet station GW1987 ETHRIDGE THREE SE. |
| May 7, 7:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 6 Ne Whitlash, MT | Mesonet station DW9565 Whitlash. |
| May 7, 7:54 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| May 7, 7:55 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 1 E Roy, MT | AWOS station K1OM Oscar. |
| May 7, 8:00 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 3 Ene Benchland, MT | Mesonet station MTM47 MDA - Benchland. |
| May 7, 8:15 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 2 W Moccasin, MT | Mesonet station MTM09 2.1 W Moccasin (MT-MESO). |
| May 7, 8:17 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | Chester, MT | Mesonet station FW9939 Chester. |
| May 7, 8:29 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 11 Wnw Augusta, MT | Mesonet station TR276 L-C Portable No. 1. |
| May 7, 8:33 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 2 Nw Windham, MT | AWOS station K1CM Charlie. |
| May 7, 8:33 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 2 Nw Windham, MT | AWOS station K1CM Charlie. |
| May 7, 8:36 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 64 | 1 E Roy, MT | AWOS station K1OM Oscar. |
| May 7, 8:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 6 S Whitlash, MT | Mesonet station GW3546 WHITLASH SEVEN SOUTH. |
| May 7, 8:52 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | 7 Ese Hilger, MT | Mesonet station JPKM8 Judith Peak RAWS. |
| May 7, 9:00 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | Joplin, MT | Mesonet station GW0416 Joplin. |
| May 7, 9:00 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 2 W Moccasin, MT | Mesonet station MTM09 2.1 W Moccasin (MT-MESO). |
| May 7, 9:00 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 3 Ene Benchland, MT | Mesonet station MTM47 MDA - Benchland. |
| May 7, 9:00 AM MDT | RAIN 2.25 | 7 Se Rocky Boy, MT | 2.25 inches of rainfall in the past 24 hours. Some slushy snow accumulations this morning as well. |
| May 7, 9:00 AM MDT | SNOW 4 | 9 Se Rocky Boy, MT | Estimated 4 inches of new snow at the Rocky Boy SNOTEL in the past 24 hours. |
| May 7, 9:15 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 55 | 13 S Marysville, MT | Mesonet station MTMDP MacDonald Pass (MT DOT). |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Great_falls, MT (KTFX), launched 12:00Z, 8.0 hours before the alert went out and 43 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 2228 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 23 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 12 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 151 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
374 WWUS75 KTFX 052000 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 200 PM MDT Sun May 5 2024 MTZ301>303-307-308-061200- /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0009.240506T1800Z-240508T0000Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front- Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Bynum, Heart Butte, Cut Bank, Logan Pass, Choteau, Marias Pass, Rogers Pass, Babb, Browning, East Glacier Park, Kiowa, Dupuyer, Saint Mary, Pendroy, Ethridge, and Santa Rita 200 PM MDT Sun May 5 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON MONDAY TO 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph, are expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From noon Monday to 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-313-314-318-061200- /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.A.0007.240507T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Havre, Harlem, Geyser, Hogeland, Carter, Stanford, Whitlash, Chinook, Hilger, Lothair, Lewistown, Rocky Boy, Devon, Benchland, Hobson, Fort Benton, Zurich, Moccasin, Chester, Shelby, Floweree, Windham, Galata, Fort Belknap, Joplin, and Raynesford 200 PM MDT Sun May 5 2024 ...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE TUESDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph, are possible. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine County, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...From Monday evening through late Tuesday night. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ Moldan
7 follow-up statements
794 WWUS75 KTFX 060857 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 257 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024 MTZ304>306-310-311-313-314-318-070000- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0007.240507T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ /O.EXB.KTFX.HW.W.0009.240506T1800Z-240508T1200Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Fort Belknap, Carter, Havre, Raynesford, Lothair, Zurich, Hogeland, Windham, Joplin, Geyser, Shelby, Floweree, Harlem, Hilger, Chester, Lewistown, Moccasin, Chinook, Stanford, Whitlash, Hobson, Rocky Boy, Devon, Benchland, Galata, and Fort Benton 257 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine County, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...From noon today to 6 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds will blow wet snow in the mountains and loose debris on the plains, which may damage property and cause a few power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ315-316-319>323-070000- /O.EXB.KTFX.HW.W.0009.240506T1800Z-240508T0600Z/ Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass-Gates of the Mountains-Helena Valley-Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains-Meagher County Valleys-Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains-Canyon Ferry Area- Including the following locations: Ringling, Wickes, White Sulphur Springs, Bozeman Pass, Lincoln, Elk Park Pass, Trident, Deep Creek Pass, Flesher Pass, Maudlow, Marysville, Battle Ridge Pass, Checkerboard, MacDonald Pass, Toston, Montana City, Winston, Canyon Creek, Craig, Clancy, Wolf Creek, Boulder, Townsend, Martinsdale, Homestake Pass, Helena, and Corbin 257 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT TUESDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Canyon Ferry Area, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Gates of the Mountains, Helena Valley, Meagher County Valleys, and Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass. * WHEN...From noon today to midnight MDT Tuesday Night. * IMPACTS...High winds will blow wet snow in the mountains and loose debris in the valleys, which may damage property and cause a few power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ317-070000- /O.EXB.KTFX.HW.W.0009.240506T1800Z-240508T1200Z/ Little Belt and Highwood Mountains- Including the following locations: Monarch, Neihart, and Kings Hill Pass 257 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. * WHEN...From noon today to 6 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds will blow wet snow in the mountains, which may damage property and cause a few power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ301>303-307-308-070000- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.240506T1800Z-240508T0000Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front- Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Saint Mary, Marias Pass, East Glacier Park, Santa Rita, Ethridge, Pendroy, Logan Pass, Kiowa, Babb, Browning, Heart Butte, Rogers Pass, Bynum, Dupuyer, Cut Bank, and Choteau 257 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From noon today to 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds will blow wet snow in the mountains, which may damage property and cause a few power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ SC
446 WWUS75 KTFX 061956 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 156 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024 MTZ317-071100- /O.EXT.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240507T1800Z/ Little Belt and Highwood Mountains- Including the following locations: Neihart, Kings Hill Pass, and Monarch 156 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. * WHEN...Until noon MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ301>303-307-308-071100- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T0000Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front- Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Marias Pass, Babb, Santa Rita, East Glacier Park, Pendroy, Dupuyer, Choteau, Saint Mary, Ethridge, Heart Butte, Bynum, Kiowa, Logan Pass, Cut Bank, Browning, and Rogers Pass 156 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-313-314-318-071100- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Hilger, Lewistown, Fort Belknap, Hobson, Shelby, Stanford, Whitlash, Zurich, Carter, Floweree, Galata, Harlem, Chinook, Windham, Hogeland, Benchland, Devon, Chester, Raynesford, Moccasin, Geyser, Joplin, Lothair, Fort Benton, Rocky Boy, and Havre 156 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Northwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine County, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ315-316-319>323-071100- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T0600Z/ Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass-Gates of the Mountains-Helena Valley-Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains-Meagher County Valleys-Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains-Canyon Ferry Area- Including the following locations: Checkerboard, Battle Ridge Pass, Homestake Pass, Elk Park Pass, Flesher Pass, Deep Creek Pass, Montana City, Wolf Creek, Helena, Boulder, Winston, Canyon Creek, Ringling, Wickes, Toston, Clancy, Townsend, Corbin, Marysville, Lincoln, Trident, Bozeman Pass, MacDonald Pass, Martinsdale, White Sulphur Springs, Craig, and Maudlow 156 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TUESDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Canyon Ferry Area, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Gates of the Mountains, Helena Valley, Meagher County Valleys, and Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT Tuesday Night. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Ludwig
818 WWUS75 KTFX 070904 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 304 AM MDT Tue May 7 2024 MTZ301>303-307-308-080000- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T0000Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front- Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Heart Butte, Marias Pass, Bynum, Logan Pass, Pendroy, Dupuyer, East Glacier Park, Babb, Cut Bank, Browning, Rogers Pass, Santa Rita, Saint Mary, Kiowa, Choteau, and Ethridge 304 AM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds and wet snow in the mountains may cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-313-314-318-080015- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Hogeland, Lewistown, Chester, Fort Belknap, Moccasin, Joplin, Lothair, Whitlash, Benchland, Devon, Raynesford, Harlem, Geyser, Shelby, Hilger, Galata, Windham, Hobson, Carter, Zurich, Havre, Fort Benton, Rocky Boy, Floweree, Chinook, and Stanford 304 AM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine County, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds and wet snow in the mountains may cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ315-316-319>323-080015- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T0600Z/ Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass-Gates of the Mountains-Helena Valley-Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains-Meagher County Valleys-Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains-Canyon Ferry Area- Including the following locations: MacDonald Pass, Homestake Pass, Bozeman Pass, Trident, Clancy, Deep Creek Pass, Maudlow, Battle Ridge Pass, Boulder, Winston, Wickes, Townsend, Ringling, Elk Park Pass, Marysville, Toston, Helena, Flesher Pass, Corbin, Wolf Creek, Montana City, Craig, Canyon Creek, White Sulphur Springs, Lincoln, Checkerboard, and Martinsdale 304 AM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT... * WHAT...West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Canyon Ferry Area, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Gates of the Mountains, Helena Valley, Meagher County Valleys, and Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...High winds and wet snow in the mountains may cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ317-071800- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240507T1800Z/ Little Belt and Highwood Mountains- Including the following locations: Neihart, Monarch, and Kings Hill Pass 304 AM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT TODAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. * WHEN...Until noon MDT today. * IMPACTS...The combination of heavy, wet snow and strong winds may cause significant tree damage and power outages. Travel could be very difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ RG
885 WWUS75 KTFX 071514 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 914 AM MDT Tue May 7 2024 MTZ317-071615- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240507T1800Z/ Little Belt and Highwood Mountains- Including the following locations: Monarch, Neihart, and Kings Hill Pass 914 AM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED... The threat for strong winds has ended. $$ MTZ301>303-307-308-080000- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T0000Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front- Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Cut Bank, Babb, Marias Pass, Browning, Rogers Pass, Choteau, Ethridge, Dupuyer, Kiowa, Bynum, Pendroy, Santa Rita, Saint Mary, Heart Butte, Logan Pass, and East Glacier Park 914 AM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Northwest winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-313-314-318-080600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Joplin, Geyser, Hilger, Benchland, Moccasin, Havre, Fort Benton, Devon, Shelby, Fort Belknap, Windham, Chester, Hobson, Lothair, Rocky Boy, Floweree, Zurich, Galata, Harlem, Chinook, Carter, Hogeland, Raynesford, Whitlash, Stanford, and Lewistown 914 AM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Northwest winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts near 70 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine County, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ315-316-319>323-080600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T0600Z/ Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass-Gates of the Mountains-Helena Valley-Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains-Meagher County Valleys-Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains-Canyon Ferry Area- Including the following locations: Clancy, Craig, Lincoln, Homestake Pass, Elk Park Pass, Montana City, Corbin, White Sulphur Springs, Checkerboard, Maudlow, Flesher Pass, Battle Ridge Pass, Trident, Bozeman Pass, Winston, MacDonald Pass, Wolf Creek, Boulder, Deep Creek Pass, Marysville, Toston, Helena, Martinsdale, Ringling, Townsend, Wickes, and Canyon Creek 914 AM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Canyon Ferry Area, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Gates of the Mountains, Helena Valley, Meagher County Valleys, and Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Brusda
629 WWUS75 KTFX 072006 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 206 PM MDT Tue May 7 2024 MTZ301-302-307-308-072115- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T0000Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Babb, Marias Pass, Browning, Rogers Pass, Choteau, Bynum, Dupuyer, Kiowa, Pendroy, Saint Mary, Heart Butte, Logan Pass, and East Glacier Park 206 PM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED... The threat for strong winds have ended. $$ MTZ315-316-319-322-323-072115- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T0600Z/ Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass-Gates of the Mountains-Helena Valley-Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains-Canyon Ferry Area- Including the following locations: Clancy, Montana City, Toston, Helena, Townsend, Corbin, Wickes, Canyon Creek, Craig, Winston, Lincoln, MacDonald Pass, Wolf Creek, Homestake Pass, Elk Park Pass, Boulder, Flesher Pass, and Marysville 206 PM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED... The threat for strong winds have ended. $$ MTZ309-312-081200- /O.EXA.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton-Cascade County below 5000ft- Including the following locations: Conrad, Ledger, Brady, and Great Falls 206 PM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Northwest winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton Counties, and Cascade County below 5000ft. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ303-081200- /O.EXT.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Cut Bank, Ethridge, and Santa Rita 206 PM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Northwest winds 40 to 50 mph, with gusts around 70 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-313-314-318-081200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Joplin, Geyser, Hilger, Benchland, Moccasin, Havre, Fort Benton, Devon, Shelby, Fort Belknap, Windham, Chester, Hobson, Lothair, Rocky Boy, Floweree, Zurich, Galata, Harlem, Chinook, Carter, Hogeland, Raynesford, Whitlash, Stanford, and Lewistown 206 PM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Northwest winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 70 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine County, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ320-321-080600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T0600Z/ Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains-Meagher County Valleys- Including the following locations: Trident, Bozeman Pass, Martinsdale, Ringling, Checkerboard, White Sulphur Springs, Maudlow, Deep Creek Pass, and Battle Ridge Pass 206 PM MDT Tue May 7 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT MDT TONIGHT... * WHAT...Northwest winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains and Meagher County Valleys. * WHEN...Until midnight MDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Brusda
179 WWUS75 KTFX 080601 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1201 AM MDT Wed May 8 2024 MTZ306-311-080715- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ Northern Blaine County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine- Including the following locations: Fort Belknap, Hogeland, Chinook, Harlem, Zurich, and Rocky Boy 1201 AM MDT Wed May 8 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED... Strong winds have decreased across the area. $$ MTZ320-321-080715- /O.EXP.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T0600Z/ Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains-Meagher County Valleys- Including the following locations: Deep Creek Pass, Battle Ridge Pass, Martinsdale, Maudlow, Trident, Ringling, White Sulphur Springs, Bozeman Pass, and Checkerboard 1201 AM MDT Wed May 8 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING HAS EXPIRED... Strong winds have decreased across the area. $$ MTZ303>305-309-310-312>314-318-081200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton-Western and Central Chouteau County-Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Windham, Benchland, Chester, Carter, Geyser, Cut Bank, Ethridge, Galata, Moccasin, Ledger, Great Falls, Hobson, Floweree, Brady, Stanford, Joplin, Raynesford, Santa Rita, Devon, Havre, Conrad, Lewistown, Hilger, Whitlash, Shelby, Lothair, and Fort Benton 1201 AM MDT Wed May 8 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT EARLY THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...The Interstate 15 Corridor north of Power, Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Hill County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Cascade County below 5000ft, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT early this morning. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Wet snow may still combine with the strong winds to possibly cause some additional power outages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ SC
319 WWUS75 KTFX 081153 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 553 AM MDT Wed May 8 2024 MTZ303>305-309-310-312>314-318-081300- /O.EXP.KTFX.HW.W.0009.000000T0000Z-240508T1200Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton-Western and Central Chouteau County-Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Windham, Benchland, Chester, Carter, Geyser, Cut Bank, Ethridge, Galata, Moccasin, Ledger, Great Falls, Hobson, Floweree, Brady, Stanford, Joplin, Raynesford, Santa Rita, Devon, Havre, Conrad, Lewistown, Hilger, Whitlash, Shelby, Lothair, and Fort Benton 553 AM MDT Wed May 8 2024 ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 AM MDT EARLY THIS MORNING... The threat for strong winds has ended. However, wind gusts will likely range between 40 and 50 mph at times through this morning. $$ SC
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this high wind warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Great Falls, MT wrote its last area forecast discussion before this high wind warning went out at May 5, 11:59 AM MDT, 2 hours 1 minute earlier.
Area forecast discussion, May 5, 11:59 AM MDT, 2 hours 1 minute before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1159 AM MDT Sun May 5 2024 .SYNOPSIS... A slow moving Pacific weather system begins to impact the Northern Rockies today in the form of northward expansion of shower and isolated thunderstorm activity. Snow also develops over the higher terrain of Southwest Montana tonight into Monday morning. Much cooler and wetter weather is expected for much of the up coming workweek, along with breezy to windy conditions and localized heavy mountain snow. && .Update... Morning update has been published, with minimal changes made to the on-going forecast. Main change this morning was to increase PoPs slightly through the early morning hours to account for latest radar trends, especially along the Idaho border and over the plains of Central and North Central Montana. While most of the radar returns over the plains of Central and North Central Montana are only resulting in virga due to dry air in the boundary layer and mid-levels, I did bump PoPs up into the "slight" range over a larger area to account for the heavier bursts of precipitation. Even with this increase I only expect a trace to potentially a hundreths of an inch with the heavier bursts through the morning hours over the plains. Further south across Southwest Montana webcams along the Idaho border show that precipitation is reaching the ground, which is now supported with PoPs in the 90-100% range. Otherwise the remainder of the forecast remains on track, with the aforementioned dry boundary layer and mid-levels over the plains of Central and North Central Montana eventually saturating through afternoon hours and supporting rain and even a few embedded thunderstorms. - Moldan && .AVIATION... 1159 AM MDT Sun May 5 2024 (05/18Z TAF Period) VFR and MVFR conditions are expected to be the main flight categories across North Central and Southwestern Montana today, though periods of IFR conditions can't be ruled out, especially at EKS and WYS. Incoming weather system will continue to bring rain and virga showers to much of the area, with an increasing number of these reaching the ground as we progress through the day. A few of these showers may be able to mature into some isolated thunderstorms, and while there is still a good deal of uncertainty with regards to these storms, I did go ahead and add them to the TAFs at HLN and GTF where models seem to be converging on timing/location. Watch for increasing winds and lowering cigs overnight tonight and tomorrow. Ludwig Refer to weather.gov/zlc for more detailed regional aviation weather and hazard information. && .HYDROLOGY... A slow moving Pacific weather system will bring an extending period of lower elevation rain and mountain snow next week, with the heaviest precipitation falling Tuesday through early Thursday. NBM probabilistic guidance highlights the eastern portions of Central/North-central MT with the heaviest rainfall amounts for this period, largely supporting 1 to 3 inches of rainfall/snow melt liquid equivalent over locations east of a Great Falls to Shelby line Tuesday through Thursday. While flooding is generally not expected, some rivers, creeks, and streams along the Canadian border in Hill and Blaine Counties are expected to approach or reach action stage Wednesday and Thursday, mainly impacting unpopulated rural locations. Anyone near waterways should remain alert for changing conditions and be prepared to seek higher ground should water rises occur. - RCG && .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 545 AM MDT Sun May 5 2024/ Southerly flow aloft and abundant mid- and higher level clouds have overspread much of North-central and Southwest MT this morning as a closed Pacific low centered over N CA/NW NV slowly moves eastward toward S ID. Scattered shower and isolated thunderstorm activity will overspread the region today in a south to north fashion. Given forecast MU CAPE levels generally in the 100 to 300 J/kg range, not expecting anything beyond general thunderstorm hazards like gusty winds, brief downpours, and isolated lightning strikes. The best chance for convective activity will be this afternoon over the southwest and the eastern portions of the plains. Colder air aloft moves in tonight and introduces falling snow levels and mountain snow, most notably over the southwestern mountains. NBM probabilities support a quick 1 to 5 inches of snow, with the highest amounts expected over NW Beaverhead County, including Chief Joseph and Big Hole Passes. Peak snowfall rates look to occur between 3 and 9 am Monday morning, so a Winter Weather Advisory was posted for the three mountain zones south of I90 to address the expected impacts during the coldest part of the day. A majority of ensembles continue to highlight the closed Pacific low lifting northeastward into eastern MT while merging with another shortwave streaming eastward out of the Pacific NW. There will be a bit a lull in activity on Monday as steadier stratiform rains remain to our east/northeast and mountain snows temporarily diminish. H700 northwesterly flow begins to increase by Monday afternoon, ushering cold air advection and increasing surface winds along the Rocky Mountain Front and much of Central/North- central MT. By Tuesday, periods of moderate, to at times heavy, rainfall begin to settle in and more or less remain in place through Thursday. NBM probabilistic guidance still highlights locations east of a Great Falls to Shelby line with a 50 to 80% chance for rainfall amounts in excess of 1 inch and a 30% to 50% chance for 2 inches of rainfall or greater for the 72 hour period ending Thursday 6 am MDT. Keep in mind that there will be some areas situated southeast of higher terrain that see reduced rainfall amounts due to downsloping winds. This widespread rainfall will generally be beneficial for most, but some minor hydrologic impacts are expected for those who see the heaviest storm totals, please view the hydrology section for more information. Strong and cold northwesterly flow aloft (H700 winds around 40 to 60 kts, temperatures near -10C) will be occurring during this timeframe as well, resulting in windy conditions for all areas and heavy wet mountain snow over the central ranges. Monday night through Tuesday looks to be the overall windiest period, with most locations in both North-central and Southwest MT seeing 60 to 90% chances for wind gusts in excess of 45 mph, while the 55 mph exceedance higher probabilities (70% +) remain confined along the Continental Divide, the Central MT highway 200 corridor, and the eastern portions of the north-central plains. After collaboration with the other MT WFOs, I decided to hold off on issuing a High wind Watch for now given continued uncertainties with positioning of the strongest winds and mismatches with timing and NBM probabilistic guidance. As mentioned earlier, H700 temperatures will be cold enough to support mountain snow, heaviest over the central ranges where a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect Tuesday through Thursday and the probability for snowfall amounts in excess of 2 feet continues to run 70% and higher, mostly for the mid- slopes and higher peaks of the Little Belt Mountains. The combination of strong winds and heavy wet snow is expected to cause dangerous conditions for outback recreation over higher terrain and there is also the expectations for at least some isolated impacts to the power infrastructure in areas that receive the heaviest snow and stronger winds. Additional winter weather highlights may be needed over the higher terrain of the southwest, the Rocky Mountain Front, and possibly for the Bear's Paw Mountains. Lower elevations will mostly see cold, wet, and raw conditions for outdoor recreation and agriculture activities with daytime temperatures mostly in the 40s Tuesday and Wednesday. Rain and mountain snow diminish on Thursday as the responsible low pressure system weakens and generally moves away from the region. Ridging aloft becomes more dominant heading into next weekend for drier conditions with temperatures moderating to near or slightly above average. - RCG && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... GTF 64 43 54 40 / 70 80 60 20 CTB 60 41 53 38 / 40 70 50 20 HLN 67 43 54 39 / 80 90 50 10 BZN 66 36 52 33 / 80 90 90 10 WYS 50 29 42 26 / 80 90 100 70 DLN 58 35 49 30 / 60 100 40 30 HVR 69 44 57 40 / 30 60 80 60 LWT 65 39 49 35 / 40 60 70 30 && .TFX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday morning through Thursday morning for Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains-Snowy and Judith Mountains. Winter Weather Advisory from 9 PM this evening to noon MDT Monday for Gallatin and Madison County Mountains and Centennial Mountains-Northwest Beaverhead County-Ruby Mountains and Southern Beaverhead Mountains. && http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
The office that day
Everything else NWS Great Falls, MT issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 3:04 AM MDT | Winter Weather Advisory | TFX | Beaverhead, Gallatin, Madison | 33 hr |
| May 5, 1:40 PM MDT | Winter Storm Warning | TFX | Beaverhead, Broadwater, Cascade, Chouteau, Fergus, Gallatin and 7 more | 3 days |
| May 5, 2:00 PM MDT | High Wind Watch | TFX | Blaine, Chouteau, Fergus, Hill, Judith Basin, Liberty and 1 more | 13 hr |
Nearby
High Wind Warnings in Montana, 2024Every high wind warning in 2024
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.