Alert archive / Montana / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 4, NWS Missoula, MT
NWS Missoula, MT issued this flash flood warning at Jul 17, 2026, 5:09 PM MDT for Missoula County, Powell County, Montana. It was in force for 93 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued.
The facts
- Issued
- Jul 17, 2026, 5:09 PM MDT (23:09 UTC)
- Expired
- Jul 17, 2026, 6:42 PM MDT
- In force
- 93 min
- Issued by
- NWS Missoula, MT
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Flood severity
- None
Counties Missoula County, MT, Powell County, MT
The radar
The Missoula radar (KMSX), 50 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:13 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.
Did it verify
Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The text
As transmitted.
797
WGUS55 KMSO 172309
FFWMSO
MTC063-077-180115-
/O.NEW.KMSO.FF.W.0004.260717T2309Z-260718T0115Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Missoula MT
509 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
The National Weather Service in Missoula has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
East Central Missoula County in west central Montana...
West Central Powell County in west central Montana...
* Until 715 PM MDT.
* At 509 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or
expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Clearwater and Greenough.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
&&
LAT...LON 4683 11335 4686 11342 4700 11346 4704 11337
4697 11329 4687 11325 4683 11334
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
$$1 follow-up statement
079
WGUS75 KMSO 180042
FFSMSO
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Missoula MT
642 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
MTC063-077-180052-
/O.CAN.KMSO.FF.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260718T0115Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Missoula MT-Powell MT-
642 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR EAST CENTRAL MISSOULA AND
WEST CENTRAL POWELL COUNTIES...
The heavy rain has ending. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.
A Flood Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for a portion of
west central Montana.
&&
LAT...LON 4683 11335 4686 11342 4700 11346 4704 11337
4697 11329 4687 11325 4683 11334
$$What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Missoula, MT wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Jul 17, 1:39 PM MDT, 3 hours 30 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 17, 1:39 PM MDT, 3 hours 30 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Missoula MT 139 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026 .DISCUSSION... KEY MESSAGES: - Strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, bringing the threat of strong winds, large hail, and heavy rain. - Trending drier and breezy this weekend. Elevated fire weather by Sunday from hot, dry, and breezy conditions, especially in northwest Montana - Thunderstorms return by Tuesday next week with the next Monsoon moisture surge. Monsoonal moisture has peaked over the region, with atmospheric moisture content running at 200 percent of normal and precipitable water values over 1 inch. Impressive instability along with an incoming wave of energy currently moving through central Idaho sets the stage for widespread thunderstorm development this afternoon. High resolution models show convection forming over the southern Bitterroot mountains around 2 to 3pm, moving northwards and potentially forming into a line of storms that could hold together into northwest Montana this evening. Gusty winds will be the main concern with this convection, with gusts 40 to 50 mph anticipated with stronger storms. It should be noted that a few of our high resolution models are showing the potential for gusts over 60 mph through the Missoula valley northwards into the Mission valley early this evening. While not a likely scenario (10 to 20 percent chance) it is something that will be monitored closely moving forwards. Further north, in northwest Montana, hail becomes more of a concern due to increased shear values. It should also be noted that thunderstorms could linger across northwest Montana through early Saturday morning. Storms will also be capable of very heavy rainfall rates of 0.75" or more per hour. fortunately storm motion should keep cells moving fairly rapidly which overall decreases the flash flooding risk. However, sensitive flood prone areas and recent burn scars, particularly in Lemhi County and southwest Montana, could have flood concerns if they take a direct hit from thunderstorms. On Saturday, the low pressure system that has been sitting off the Pacific Northwest coast slowly moves through southern British Columbia and Alberta, flattening the ridge of high pressure and bringing more westerly flow aloft. This will shift thunderstorm potential primarily to locations south of Interstate 90. Never the less, a few storms still could become strong in these areas with gusty winds, and brief heavy rain the main threats. Further north across northwest Montana, breezy westerly winds will develop. This coupled with much drier air could enhance fire weather concerns. By Sunday, much drier air moves over all of western Montana and north central Idaho, with hot, dry and breezy conditions anticipated. Global ensembles suggest the next surge of monsoon moisture will arrive by the middle of next week (Tuesday into Thursday). Chances for showers and thunderstorms will trend higher each day as precipitable water values reach over one inch. && .AVIATION...The atmosphere over the Northern Rockies airspace is unstable and thunderstorms have begun to develop. Any thunderstorm will be capable of gusty outflow winds 40 to 50 mph, but this threat is higher probability at KMSO and KHRF between 17/2200 and 18/0200z. Additionally, hail 0.25 to 1.00" is possible at all terminals along with brief but heavy rainfall degrading visibility 2-4 statute miles. Thunderstorm threat decreases after 18/0300z but showers and embedded thunderstorms will remain a threat in northwest MT overnight. && .MSO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MT...None. ID...&&
In the hours before
Special weather statement, Jul 17, 3:54 PM MDT, 1 hour 15 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Missoula MT
354 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
MTZ005-172230-
Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys MT-
354 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTH CENTRAL RAVALLI COUNTY
UNTIL 430 PM MDT...
At 354 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Victor, or 10 miles north of Hamilton, moving north at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 30 mph and penny size hail. Heavy rainfall
0.50 to 0.75" per hour possible.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Stevensville, Victor, Pinesdale and Bell Crossing.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 4632 11402 4634 11424 4643 11424 4647 11422
4651 11419 4658 11416 4657 11396
TIME...MOT...LOC 2153Z 184DEG 8KT 4638 11413
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPHLocal storm report, Jul 17, 4:01 PM MDT, 1 hour 8 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Missoula MT
401 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0330 PM Rain 5 WNW West Valley 46.19N 113.12W
07/17/2026 M1.29 Inch Deer Lodge MT Trained Spotter
Spotter reported lots of hail, with a few up
to 1 inch.
&&
BECSpecial weather statement, Jul 17, 4:08 PM MDT, 1 hour 1 minute before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Missoula MT
408 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
MTZ007-172230-
Butte/Blackfoot Region MT-
408 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN DEER LODGE...
NORTHERN SILVER BOW AND SOUTH CENTRAL POWELL COUNTIES UNTIL 430 PM
MDT...
At 408 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Galen, or 7 miles south of Deer Lodge, moving northeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 30 mph and nickel size hail. Heavy rain
rates 0.50 to 0.75 inches per hour are possible.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Deer Lodge, Galen and Racetrack.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 4620 11284 4628 11294 4649 11270 4634 11245
4633 11245 4633 11247 4634 11247 4634 11249
4633 11250 4633 11253 4631 11256 4630 11257
4628 11256 4626 11256 4624 11258 4624 11260
4621 11257 4620 11258 4618 11257 4617 11258
TIME...MOT...LOC 2208Z 237DEG 15KT 4629 11278
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPHLocal storm report, Jul 17, 4:28 PM MDT, 41 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Missoula MT
428 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0328 PM Hail 5 WNW West Valley 46.18N 113.11W
07/17/2026 M1.00 Inch Deer Lodge MT Trained Spotter
Heavy rain of 1.29 inch in less than an
hour.
&&
BECSpecial weather statement, Jul 17, 4:51 PM MDT, 18 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Missoula MT
451 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
MTZ007-043-172315-
Potomac/Seeley Lake Region MT-Butte/Blackfoot Region MT-
451 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL POWELL AND EAST
CENTRAL MISSOULA COUNTIES UNTIL 515 PM MDT...
At 451 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles west of Ovando, or 26 miles north of Drummond, moving northeast
at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 30 mph and penny size hail. Rainfall rates
of 0.50 to 0.75 inches are possible.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Ovando, Woodworth and Clearwater.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 4690 11335 4701 11353 4723 11331 4709 11304
TIME...MOT...LOC 2250Z 216DEG 15KT 4702 11333
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPHLocal storm report, Jul 17, 5:03 PM MDT, 6 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Missoula MT
503 PM MDT Fri Jul 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0502 PM Flash Flood 1 SE Drummond 46.66N 113.13W
07/17/2026 Granite MT Emergency Mngr
Flooding across I-90 WB lane between mile
marker 155-156, east of Drummond MT.
&&
BECThe office that day
Everything else NWS Missoula, MT issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 6:02 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MSO | Sanders | 58 min |
| Jul 16, 6:05 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MSO | Lincoln | 55 min |
| Jul 16, 6:19 PM MDT | Areal Flood Advisory | MSO | Silver Bow | 56 min |
| Jul 16, 6:41 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MSO | Silver Bow | 34 min |
| Jul 17, 5:29 AM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MSO | Lincoln | 31 min |
| Jul 17, 2:59 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MSO | Deer Lodge | 31 min |
| Jul 17, 3:18 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MSO | Powell | 27 min |
| Jul 17, 3:19 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MSO | Granite | 26 min |
| Jul 17, 3:50 PM MDT | Areal Flood Advisory | MSO | Deer Lodge | 55 min |
| Jul 17, 3:54 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MSO | Ravalli | 36 min |
| Jul 17, 4:08 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MSO | Deer Lodge | 22 min |
| Jul 17, 4:14 PM MDT | Flash Flood Warning | MSO | Granite | 2 hr |
| Jul 17, 4:15 PM MDT | Flash Flood Warning | MSO | Granite | 2 hr |
| Jul 17, 4:17 PM MDT | Flood Watch | MSO | Deer Lodge, Granite, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow | 3 hr |
| Jul 17, 4:27 PM MDT | Areal Flood Advisory | MSO | Granite | 3 hr |
| Jul 17, 4:37 PM MDT | Flash Flood Warning | MSO | Granite | 2 hr |
| Jul 17, 4:51 PM MDT | Special Weather Statement | MSO | Powell | 24 min |
Nearby
Flash Flood Warnings in Montana, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.