Alert archive / Montana / High Wind Warnings in 2025
High Wind Warning 3, NWS Great Falls, MT
NWS Great Falls, MT issued this high wind warning at Jan 15, 2025, 1:52 AM MST for 8 counties in Montana. It took effect at Jan 15, 2025, 8:00 PM MST. It was in force for 24 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
- Jan 15, 2025, 1:52 AM MST (08:52 UTC)
- In effect from
- Jan 15, 2025, 8:00 PM MST
- Expired
- Jan 16, 2025, 8:00 PM MST
- In force
- 24 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Great Falls, MT
Counties Cascade County, MT, Fergus County, MT, Glacier County, MT, Judith Basin County, MT, Lewis and Clark County, MT, Pondera County, MT, Teton County, MT, Toole County, MT
The radar
The Great Falls radar (KTFX), 37 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 08:54 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 16, 1:21 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
| Jan 16, 1:25 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 9 Ese East Glacier Park, MT | Dog Gun Lake Montana Mesonet. |
| Jan 16, 5:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 56 | 8 Wsw Saint Mary, MT | Mesonet station SNPMT Sunpoint. |
| Jan 16, 7:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 1 Ene East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station MTBRN Two Medicine Bridge (MT DOT). |
| Jan 16, 7:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 72 | 9 Ese East Glacier Park, MT | Peak gust so far today at Montana mesonet site Dog Gun Lake E (Acedoggu). |
| Jan 16, 7:20 AM MST | HIGH SUST WINDS 52 | 9 Ese East Glacier Park, MT | Montana mesonet station Dog Gun Lake E (Acedoggu) measured sustained winds, averaged over an hour, of 52 mph. |
| Jan 16, 7:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 1 Ene East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station MTBRN Two Medicine Bridge (MT DOT). |
| Jan 16, 9:15 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 5 Se Browning, MT | Mesonet station SHBM Browning. |
| Jan 16, 9:45 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 64 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Jan 16, 10:05 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Jan 16, 10:15 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 72 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Jan 16, 10:24 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 4 Wsw Geyser, MT | Ambient sensor Red Barn measured a 59 mph gust. |
| Jan 16, 10:28 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 72 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Jan 16, 10:35 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 16 Wsw Cut Bank, MT | Montana mesonet station Mission Lake S (Acemissi) peak gust so far today. |
| Jan 16, 11:00 AM MST | HIGH SUST WINDS 51 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station Dellwo DELMT measured sustained winds, averaged over an hour, of 51 mph. |
| Jan 16, 11:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 8 Se Lewistown, MT | Mesonet station DVI02461 Lewistown. |
| Jan 16, 11:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 12 Wnw Cut Bank, MT | Mesonet station BFAM 12.1 W Cut Bank (AGRIMET). |
| Jan 16, 11:05 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 81 | 8 W Bynum, MT | Peak gust so far today at Montana mesonet site Bynum W (Acebynum). |
| Jan 16, 11:15 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 9 Sw Dupuyer, MT | Mesonet station DVI01084 Dupuyer. |
| Jan 16, 11:21 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | Browning, MT | Mesonet station BGRM8 Browning RAWS. |
| Jan 16, 11:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 6 N Choteau, MT | Mesonet station TRFM Teton River - Agrimet. |
| Jan 16, 11:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 5 Se Browning, MT | Mesonet station SHBM Browning. |
| Jan 16, 11:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 77 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Jan 16, 11:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Jan 16, 11:50 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 83 | 8 W Bynum, MT | Updated max wind gust of the day for Montana mesonet station Bynum W (Acebynum). |
| Jan 16, 11:55 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 80 | 16 Wsw Cut Bank, MT | Peak gust so far today at Montana mesonet site Mission Lake S (Acemissi). |
| Jan 16, 12:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 12 Nne Augusta, MT | Mesonet station HODMT Hodgkiss. |
| Jan 16, 12:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 7 Ne Choteau, MT | Mesonet station MTM49 6.9 NE Choteau (MT-MESO). |
| Jan 16, 12:15 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 2 Nw Pendroy, MT | Mesonet station MTPND Pendroy (MT DOT). |
| Jan 16, 12:30 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | Bynum, MT | Mesonet station PRKMT Bynum (MCSCN). |
| Jan 16, 12:45 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | 5 Se Browning, MT | Mesonet station SHBM Browning. |
| Jan 16, 12:48 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 8 Nne Augusta, MT | AWOS station K1FM Foxtrot. |
| Jan 16, 1:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 64 | 5 Ese Pendroy, MT | Mesonet station RICMT Rice Ridge. |
| Jan 16, 1:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | 12 Nne Augusta, MT | Mesonet station HODMT Hodgkiss. |
| Jan 16, 1:15 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 73 | 8 Nnw Dupuyer, MT | Peak gust so far today at Montana mesonet site Dupuyer N (acedupuy). |
| Jan 16, 1:15 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 74 | 2 Nw Pendroy, MT | Mesonet station MTPND Pendroy (MT DOT). |
| Jan 16, 1:15 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 77 | 14 E Saint Mary, MT | Peak gust so far today at Montana mesonet site Wetzel NE (Acewetz). |
| Jan 16, 1:20 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 2 Se Ethridge, MT | Mesonet station GW1987 ETHRIDGE THREE SE. |
| Jan 16, 1:21 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | Browning, MT | Mesonet station BGRM8 Browning RAWS. |
| Jan 16, 1:25 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 16 Wnw Santa Rita, MT | Peak gust so far today at Montana mesonet site Buffalo Lake E (Acebuffa). |
| Jan 16, 1:30 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 6 N Choteau, MT | Mesonet station TRFM Teton River - Agrimet. |
| Jan 16, 1:31 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Jan 16, 1:45 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | 2 Nnw Shelby, MT | Mesonet station GW0664 Shelby Airport. |
| Jan 16, 1:45 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Jan 16, 2:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 6 Nne Augusta, MT | Mesonet station MCBMT McBratny - MCSCN. |
| Jan 16, 2:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 7 Ne Choteau, MT | Mesonet station MTM49 6.9 NE Choteau (MT-MESO). |
| Jan 16, 2:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 72 | 5 Ese Pendroy, MT | Mesonet station RICMT Rice Ridge. |
| Jan 16, 2:05 PM MST | HIGH SUST WINDS 57 | 2 Nw Pendroy, MT | MT DOT sensor Pendroy (MTPND) measured sustained winds, averaged over an hour, of 57 mph. |
| Jan 16, 2:30 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 64 | 8 Ne Choteau, MT | Mesonet station DVI09016 Choteau. |
| Jan 16, 3:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 8 Wsw Saint Mary, MT | SNPMT Sunpoint Station. |
| Jan 16, 3:56 PM MST | HIGH SUST WINDS 52 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport averaged 51 mph sustained winds between 12:56 PM and 1:56 PM. |
| Jan 16, 3:56 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 49 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport averaged 48 mph sustained winds between 10:00 AM and 2:50 PM. |
| Jan 16, 4:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 14 Wsw Saint Mary, MT | Mesonet station LGPVC Logan Pass (GNP). |
| Jan 16, 5:36 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | Babb, MT | At 12:05 PM Babb (Howards Lodge) Ambient weather station reported a 62 mph wind gust. |
| Jan 16, 5:45 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 14 Sw Augusta, MT | At 9:49 AM Upper Elk Creek Weather Underground Station measured a 60 mph wind gust. |
| Jan 16, 5:45 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Jan 16, 5:54 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 5 Wsw Geyser, MT | At 10:24 AM Red Barn Weather Underground station measured a 59 mph wind gust. |
| Jan 16, 6:15 PM MST | HIGH SUST WINDS 54 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN) averaged 54 mph sustained winds between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM. |
| Jan 16, 6:15 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 69 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Jan 16, 6:30 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
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 00:00Z, 8.9 hours before the alert went out and 79 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
- 1739 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 73 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 189 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 268 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
601 WWUS75 KTFX 150852 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 152 AM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 MTZ301-302-307-308-160000- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0002.250116T0300Z-250117T0300Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0003.250116T0300Z-250117T0300Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Browning, Choteau, Logan Pass, East Glacier Park, Pendroy, Babb, Kiowa, Rogers Pass, Heart Butte, Saint Mary, Dupuyer, Marias Pass, and Bynum 152 AM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 40 to 60 mph, with gusts up to 100 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 8 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 3 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ303-160000- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0002.250116T0900Z-250117T0300Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0003.250116T0900Z-250117T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Santa Rita, Ethridge, and Cut Bank 152 AM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...West winds 40 to 50 mph, with gusts up to 80 mph, are expected. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 2 AM to 8 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 9 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ312-313-160000- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0002.250116T0900Z-250117T0300Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0003.250116T0900Z-250117T0300Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Benchland, Geyser, Hobson, Raynesford, Windham, Moccasin, Stanford, and Great Falls 152 AM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph, are expected. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 2 AM to 8 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 9 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Moldan
5 follow-up statements
531 WWUS75 KTFX 152019 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 119 PM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 MTZ301-302-307-308-161200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.250116T0300Z-250117T0300Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Saint Mary, Dupuyer, East Glacier Park, Kiowa, Logan Pass, Heart Butte, Babb, Bynum, Pendroy, Choteau, Rogers Pass, Browning, and Marias Pass 119 PM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 55 mph with gusts up to 90 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 8 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 6 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ303-161200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.250116T0900Z-250117T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Santa Rita, Cut Bank, and Ethridge 119 PM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 2 AM to 8 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 9 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ312-313-161200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.250116T0900Z-250117T0300Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Raynesford, Stanford, Benchland, Moccasin, Great Falls, Geyser, Windham, and Hobson 119 PM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph, are expected. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 2 AM to 8 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 9 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Hoenisch
395 WWUS75 KTFX 160337 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 837 PM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 MTZ301-302-307-308-161100- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250117T0300Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Rogers Pass, Pendroy, Logan Pass, Babb, Bynum, East Glacier Park, Browning, Choteau, Kiowa, Saint Mary, Dupuyer, Heart Butte, and Marias Pass 837 PM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 40 to 60 mph, with gusts up to 100 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Drifting snow will be possible primarily along rural roads. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 6 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ303-161100- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.250116T0900Z-250117T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Santa Rita, Ethridge, and Cut Bank 837 PM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 2 AM to 8 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Drifting snow will be possible primarily along rural roads. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 9 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ312-313-161100- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.250116T0900Z-250117T0300Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Great Falls, Benchland, Hobson, Windham, Moccasin, Raynesford, Geyser, and Stanford 837 PM MST Wed Jan 15 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 PM MST THURSDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph, are expected. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 2 AM to 8 PM MST Thursday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Drifting snow will be possible primarily along rural roads. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 9 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ IG
120 WWUS75 KTFX 160851 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 151 AM MST Thu Jan 16 2025 MTZ301-302-307-308-170000- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250117T0300Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Choteau, Pendroy, Kiowa, Rogers Pass, Marias Pass, Heart Butte, Browning, Dupuyer, Logan Pass, Bynum, Saint Mary, East Glacier Park, and Babb 151 AM MST Thu Jan 16 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 40 to 60 mph, with gusts up to 95 mph. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 6 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ303-170000- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.250116T0900Z-250117T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Cut Bank, Santa Rita, and Ethridge 151 AM MST Thu Jan 16 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 55 mph, with gusts up to 80 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 9 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ312-313-170000- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.250116T0900Z-250117T0300Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Windham, Geyser, Hobson, Benchland, Raynesford, Stanford, Moccasin, and Great Falls 151 AM MST Thu Jan 16 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The period of most intense winds are likely to occur between 9 AM MST and 3 PM MST Thursday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Moldan
017 WWUS75 KTFX 162021 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 121 PM MST Thu Jan 16 2025 MTZ301-302-307-308-170300- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250117T0300Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Kiowa, Rogers Pass, Saint Mary, Choteau, Bynum, Pendroy, Heart Butte, Marias Pass, Dupuyer, Babb, Browning, Logan Pass, and East Glacier Park 121 PM MST Thu Jan 16 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...West winds 40 to 55 mph with gusts up to 90 mph. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The most intense winds are likely to peak by 3 PM MST Thursday then gradually decrease through this evening. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If possible, consider delaying travel during the period of highest winds or finding an alternate route. People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ303-170300- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250117T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Cut Bank, Ethridge, and Santa Rita 121 PM MST Thu Jan 16 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 75 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The most intense winds are likely to peak by 3 PM MST Thursday then gradually decrease through this evening. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If possible, consider delaying travel during the period of highest winds or finding an alternate route. People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ312-313-170300- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250117T0300Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Windham, Great Falls, Benchland, Hobson, Raynesford, Stanford, Geyser, and Moccasin 121 PM MST Thu Jan 16 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. 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. && $$ Hoenisch
560 WWUS75 KTFX 170242 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 742 PM MST Thu Jan 16 2025 MTZ301>303-307-308-312-313-170345- /O.EXP.KTFX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250117T0300Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front- Southern High Plains-Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Benchland, Raynesford, Rogers Pass, Bynum, Kiowa, Pendroy, Stanford, Santa Rita, Moccasin, Choteau, Marias Pass, Dupuyer, East Glacier Park, Geyser, Cut Bank, Heart Butte, Logan Pass, Windham, Hobson, Browning, Saint Mary, Ethridge, Babb, and Great Falls 742 PM MST Thu Jan 16 2025 ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM MST THIS EVENING... The high wind warning will expire at 8 PM this evening; however, wind gusts up to and over 40 mph are still expected at times so continue to use caution if traveling, especially if operating a high profile vehicle or towing a light weight trailer. $$ RG
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 Jan 14, 10:02 PM MST, 3 hours 50 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Warmest and windiest day of the week Thursday.
- Transition to significantly colder temperatures across the region for Friday into the weekend.
- Another round of snow in primarily northerly upslope regions Thursday night through Friday.
Area forecast discussion, Jan 14, 10:02 PM MST, 3 hours 50 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1002 PM MST Tue Jan 14 2025
Aviation Section Updated.
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Warmest and windiest day of the week Thursday.
- Transition to significantly colder temperatures across the region
for Friday into the weekend.
- Another round of snow in primarily northerly upslope regions
Thursday night through Friday.
&&
.UPDATE...
/Issued 900 PM MST Tue Jan 14 2025/
Shortwave ridging aloft moves in tonight, but there will be
variable cloudiness for most locations and it will remain breezy
over the plains. Lingering low stratus in the southwest will
slowly retreat toward the ID/WY border during the overnight hours.
With the ridge moving in and the southwest valleys undergoing
partial clearing, there are indications of patchy fog development
already on satellite imagery. The primary update was to add patchy
fog to the southwest wind protected valleys, including the
Bozeman area. Cloud cover was also increased over the southwest,
but does follow the southward retreating trend mentioned above.
Otherwise, the forecast is in reasonably good shape. - RCG
&&
.DISCUSSION...
/Issued 148 PM MST Tue Jan 14 2025/
- Meteorological Overview:
Upper level ridging centered over the Pacific Northwest is resulting
in a dry northwesterly flow aloft across the Northern Rockies. A
persistent pressure gradient across the plains will keep
temperatures on the mild side over the next few days thanks to
downsloping winds. In Central and Southwest Montana valleys,
temperatures will have much more spread between day and night,
though will also trend milder.
The ridge is broken down late Wednesday night into Thursday across
the region by a trough diving southeastward from the Gulf of Alaska.
The initial concern will be for a period of gusty winds across
primarily the plains as robust zonal flow in the mid levels
develops. The strongest winds look to be in typically windy
locations along the Rocky Mountain Front Thursday afternoon, but
there will be opportunities for stronger winds as early as Wednesday
evening along the immediate eastern slopes of the Rockies. Blowing
snow will be a concern where recent snow has fallen, including the
corridor between Belt and Lewistown, but there remains significant
uncertainty as to how blowable this snow will be given the forecast
temperatures across this area over the next couple days (Quite mild,
especially Thursday). Trends will need to be monitored here. The
strong winds will diminish quickly behind a southward advancing cold
front from Canada late Thursday evening into Friday.
Northerly winds behind the cold front will trend temperatures
significantly colder across the region over 36 hours or so between
Thursday night and Saturday morning, with the cold peaking Saturday
morning through Monday morning. The northerly winds will also bring
a period of snow to northerly upslope areas across the region. More
details with respect to potential amounts is spelled out in the
Confidence and scenario section.
Upper level ridging looks to make an attempt at building in across
the West Coast of the US heading into early next week. Although this
looks to be the case, weak disturbances cresting the ridge and
diving southeastward toward the region will keep a low end chance
for precipitation in the forecast, with temperatures slowly trending
toward normal by mid-week next week. -AM
- Forecast Confidence & Scenarios:
Wind... There is a widespread 70 to 90% chance of gusts over 40
mph for the Rocky Mountain Front into portions of central Montana
late Wednesday into Thursday. For gusts over 60 mph, the
probabilities along the Rocky Mountain Front range from 70 to 90%
with portions of the Hwy 200 corridor through Cascade and Judith
Basin counties holding at around a 40 to 60% chance for high wind.
One of the wild cards with the stronger winds will be whether or
not blowing snow becomes a problem along the Hwy 87 corridor
between Great Falls and Grass Range as well as the Hwy 89 corridor
between Armington Junction and Monarch. If temperatures warm up
the way they are currently expected to, it is very likely the
snowpack will crust over and essentially reduce the blowing snow
threat to near zero. But if it does not get warm enough,
particularly in portions of the highways that are shaded
throughout the day in the winter, there is still a 20% chance of
blowing snow. At this point in time, there is generally low
confidence in significant blowing snow occurring. However, it is a
potential impact to watch.
Snow... With the incoming weather disturbance, snow is expected to
pick up Thursday afternoon/evening and continue through Saturday
morning. At this point in time there is still a bit of uncertainty
regarding the exact amounts of snowfall, particularly along the
lower elevations of southwest Montana and the northern plains.
There is better confidence in the mountains of central Montana
receiving at least an additional 2 inches of snow with the Little
Belts being of concern once again for potentially higher amounts.
Snow Probabilities
For 2 inches or more:
- 60 to 90% probability along the Rocky Mountain Front as well as
the mountains of central Montana and the Madison and Gallatin
ranges.
- 20 to 30% chance in Browning, Great Falls, and Lewistown
- 30 to 50% chance in Helena and Bozeman
- 60 to 80% chance in Augusta, Craig, and along the Hwy 87
corridor between Belt and Hobson
For 6 inches or more:
- 20 to 50% chance along portions of the Northern Rockies and the
Little Belts
Cold Temperatures... The Euro EFI and shift of tails point
towards a high chance for widespread extreme cold particularly on
Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The agreement in ensemble guidance
with this forecast was enough to warrant lowering the temperatures
below the currently forecasted NBM values. In broader speaking
terms, below zero temperatures should be expected for this
weekend. How cold it gets exactly is a finer detail that is
subject to change depending on how far south the coldest air makes
it as well as how much of the current snowpack survives or is
added to with the expected additions Thursday through Saturday.
The main concern for impacts will be apparent temperatures in the
20 to 40 below range. While it is not climatologically unheard of
for Montana, this is the first time this winter that the region
can expect a cold snap of this magnitude. Frostbite and
hypothermia will be significant concerns, particularly along the
Hi-Line through the start of next week and folks living in the
area should start to consider and prepare for potential impacts.
Cold Temperatures Probabilities
Below Zero Max Temperature Probabilities
- Saturday: Less than 5% chance for all areas
- Sunday: 30 to 50% chance for the northern plains and a less
than 10% chance along the valleys of southwest Montana
- Monday: 40 to 60% chance for the northern plains and a less
than 20% along the valleys of southwest Montana
- Tuesday: Generally less than 20% chance for the northern plains
and the valleys of southwest Montana
Min Temperature Probabilities
- Saturday:
- Below Zero: Greater than 60% chance across the northern
plains and higher elevations of southwest Montana.
- Below -10: 40 to 60% chance along the Rocky Mountain Front
including Cut Bank with a less than 20% chance along the
rest of the northern plains.
- Sunday:
- Below Zero: Greater than 90% chance across most of the
northern plain and higher elevations of southwest Montana.
A 60 to 80% chance for the valleys of southwest Montana.
- Below -10: 60 to 80% chance across most of the northern
plains and a 20 to 40% chance along the valleys of southwest
Montana.
- Below -20: 20 to 40% chance for most of the northern plains
with a less than 10% chance everywhere else. The highest
risk will be along the US-2 corridor from Browning to Havre.
- Monday:
- Below Zero: Greater than 60% chance for most of the northern
plains with a greater than 80% chance along the Hi-Line and
the mountains of southwest Montana. The valleys of southwest
Montana range from a 20 to 50% probability.
- Below -10: 30 to 50% chance along much of the northern
plains with a 50 to 70% chance along the Hi-Line east of
Shelby. For southwest Montana, outside the highest
elevations, there is a 20 to 40% chance.
- Below -20: 10 to 20% chance along the northern plains with
the highest probabilities along the Hi-Line east of Rudyard.
- Tuesday:
- Below Zero: 20 to 40% chance across much of central and
southwest Montana with a 30 to 50% chance for the Hi-Line
east of Shelby.
- Below -10: 10 to 20% chance across the northern plains.
-thor
&&
.AVIATION...
15/06Z TAF Period
Primarily VFR conditions are expected tonight into Wednesday;
however, there are currently mountain obscuring stratus extending
as far north as KEKS and KBZN that will slowly retreat southward
toward the ID/WY border. The wind protected valleys will be
susceptible to patchy fog development once they undergo partial
clearing, but confidence was too low to place fog in the TAF with
some drier air mixing in from aloft and probabilities for
visibility reductions below 3 miles running at 10% or less.
Otherwise, west to southwesterly winds will be gusty along the
Rocky Mountain Front and the plains tonight and on Wednesday with
gusts mostly in the 15 to 30 kt range. Expect increased mountain
wave turbulence and instances of low level wind shear throughout
the TAF period. - RCG
Refer to weather.gov/zlc for more detailed regional aviation
weather and hazard information.
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
GTF 30 39 30 44 / 0 0 0 0
CTB 28 38 29 41 / 0 0 0 0
HLN 21 39 24 45 / 0 0 0 0
BZN 14 37 17 42 / 0 0 0 0
WYS 2 28 4 30 / 0 0 0 0
DLN 15 37 19 40 / 0 0 0 0
HVR 26 38 24 43 / 0 0 0 0
LWT 25 41 27 46 / 0 0 0 0
&&
.TFX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
High Wind Watch from Wednesday evening through Thursday evening
for East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern High
Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front.
High Wind Watch from late Wednesday night through Thursday
evening for Cascade County below 5000ft-Eastern Glacier, Western
Toole, and Central Pondera-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap.
&&
http://www.weather.gov/greatfallsNearby
High Wind Warnings in Montana, 2025Every high wind warning in 2025
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.