Alert archive / Montana / High Wind Warnings in 2026
High Wind Warning 1, NWS Great Falls, MT
NWS Great Falls, MT issued this high wind warning at Jan 4, 2026, 11:46 PM MST for 10 counties in Montana. It took effect at Jan 5, 2026, 11:00 PM MST. It was in force for 24 hr. 26 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 4, 2026, 11:46 PM MST (06:46 UTC)
- In effect from
- Jan 5, 2026, 11:00 PM MST
- Expired
- Jan 6, 2026, 11:00 PM MST
- In force
- 24 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Great Falls, MT
Counties Cascade County, MT, Chouteau County, MT, Fergus County, MT, Glacier County, MT, Judith Basin County, MT, Lewis and Clark County, MT, Meagher County, MT, Pondera County, MT, Teton County, MT, Toole County, MT
The radar
The Great Falls radar (KTFX), 23 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 06:48 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 6, 12:15 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 56 | 9 Sse Grass Range, MT | Mesonet station MTBCH Beacon Hill Us-87 Mp 35.0. |
| Jan 6, 2:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 74 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Jan 6, 3:21 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 80 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
| Jan 6, 3:40 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 81 | 9 Ese East Glacier Park, MT | 81 mph at Dog Gun Lake MT Mesonet Site. |
| Jan 6, 5:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 2 Se Browning, MT | Mesonet station MTBWG Browning (MT DOT). |
| Jan 6, 5:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 14 Wsw Saint Mary, MT | Mesonet station LGPVC Logan Pass (GNP). |
| Jan 6, 6:45 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 56 | 4 E Cascade, MT | Mesonet station MTM76 Cascade E Mda. |
| Jan 6, 8:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 69 | 14 Wsw Saint Mary, MT | Mesonet station LGPVC Logan Pass (GNP). |
| Jan 6, 8:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 75 | 8 Wsw Saint Mary, MT | Mesonet station SNPMT Sunpoint. |
| Jan 6, 10:15 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 4 E Cascade, MT | Mesonet station MTM76 Cascade E Mda. |
| Jan 6, 10:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 10 Wsw Stockett, MT | Mesonet station FW1843 Great Falls. |
| Jan 6, 10:35 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 8 Wsw Stockett, MT | MT Mesonet Eden NW. |
| Jan 6, 10:45 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 5 Wsw Great Falls, MT | ASOS station KGTF Great Falls Airport. |
| Jan 6, 10:55 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 10 S Fort Benton, MT | Mesonet station DVI04529 Fort Benton. |
| Jan 6, 10:56 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Jan 6, 11:01 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 2 Sse Geyser, MT | Mesonet station MTGYS Geyser (MT DOT). |
| Jan 6, 11:33 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Jan 6, 11:53 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 12 Nne Checkerboard, MT | Mesonet station SFJM8 S. Fork Judith RAWS -12 NE Checkerboard. |
| Jan 6, 12:10 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 5 Nw Belt, MT | MT mesonet Belt NW. |
| Jan 6, 12:15 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 72 | 2 Sse Geyser, MT | Mesonet station MTGYS Geyser (MT DOT). |
| Jan 6, 12:45 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 64 | 8 Ese Fort Benton, MT | Mesonet station MTM02 10.2 S Loma (MT-MESO). |
| Jan 6, 1:09 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 14 Sw Augusta, MT | Wunderground sensor KMTAUGUS3 Upper Elk Creek. |
| Jan 6, 1:35 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 6 Wnw Sunburst, MT | MT mesonet station Sunburst NW. |
| Jan 6, 1:45 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 1 Ene East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station MTBRN Two Medicine Bridge (MT DOT). |
| Jan 6, 2:09 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | 6 W Forestgrove, MT | Wunderground sensor KMTLEWIS74. |
| Jan 6, 9:45 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 2 Sse Geyser, MT | Mesonet station MTGYS Geyser (MT DOT). |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Glasgow Intl Airport, MT (KGGW), launched 00:00Z, 6.8 hours before the alert went out and 361 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
- 1822 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 41 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 179 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 218 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
881 WWUS75 KTFX 050646 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1146 PM MST Sun Jan 4 2026 MTZ301>303-307-308-060015- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0001.260106T0600Z-260107T0600Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0001.260106T0600Z-260107T0600Z/ 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: Santa Rita, Logan Pass, Kiowa, Choteau, East Glacier Park, Browning, Pendroy, Heart Butte, Cut Bank, Saint Mary, Ethridge, Bynum, Dupuyer, Babb, Rogers Pass, and Marias Pass 1146 PM MST Sun Jan 4 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM MONDAY TO 11 PM MST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 75 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 11 PM Monday to 11 PM MST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another period of gusty winds is likely to follow during the day Wednesday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ312-313-060015- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0001.260106T1500Z-260107T0600Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0001.260106T1500Z-260107T0600Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Windham, Benchland, Great Falls, Moccasin, Stanford, Geyser, Raynesford, and Hobson 1146 PM MST Sun Jan 4 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM MST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another period of gusty winds is likely to follow during the day Wednesday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304-309-310-314-317-318-060015- /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.A.0002.260106T1500Z-260107T0600Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton- Western and Central Chouteau County-Fergus County below 4500ft- Little Belt and Highwood Mountains-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Brady, Joplin, Floweree, Kings Hill Pass, Devon, Conrad, Ledger, Shelby, Hilger, Monarch, Lothair, Neihart, Fort Benton, Lewistown, Carter, Galata, Whitlash, and Chester 1146 PM MST Sun Jan 4 2026 ...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible. * WHERE...The Highwood, Little Belt, Judith, and Snowy Mountains, Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton Counties, Western and Central Chouteau County, and Fergus County below 4500ft. * WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday 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...Another period of gusty winds is likely to follow during the day Wednesday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. Remember, a High Wind Watch means that there is at least a 50% chance of 40 mph sustained winds or 58 mph wind gusts occurring during the watch period. && $$ AM
7 follow-up statements
663 WWUS75 KTFX 052028 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 128 PM MST Mon Jan 5 2026 MTZ304-309-310-052130- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.A.0002.260106T1500Z-260107T0600Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton- Western and Central Chouteau County- Including the following locations: Fort Benton, Joplin, Floweree, Chester, Whitlash, Conrad, Devon, Lothair, Shelby, Brady, Carter, Ledger, and Galata 128 PM MST Mon Jan 5 2026 ...HIGH WIND WATCH IS CANCELLED... Widespread strong wind gusts are not expected. $$ MTZ314-317-318-061200- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0002.260106T1500Z-260107T0600Z/ /O.EXA.KTFX.HW.W.0001.260106T1500Z-260107T0600Z/ Fergus County below 4500ft-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains- Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Hilger, Kings Hill Pass, Neihart, Lewistown, and Monarch 128 PM MST Mon Jan 5 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM MST TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...The Highwood, Little Belt, Judith, and Snowy Mountains, and Fergus County below 4500ft. * WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Remember, a High Wind Warning means that there is at least an 80% chance of 40 mph sustained winds or 58 mph wind gusts occurring during the warning period. && $$ MTZ301>303-307-308-061200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.260106T0600Z-260107T0600Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front- Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Logan Pass, Dupuyer, Cut Bank, Marias Pass, Saint Mary, Santa Rita, Pendroy, Choteau, Babb, East Glacier Park, Bynum, Rogers Pass, Heart Butte, Ethridge, Browning, and Kiowa 128 PM MST Mon Jan 5 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 PM MST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 11 PM MST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Remember, a High Wind Warning means that there is at least an 80% chance of 40 mph sustained winds or 58 mph wind gusts occurring during the warning period. && $$ MTZ312-313-061200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.260106T1500Z-260107T0600Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Great Falls, Hobson, Stanford, Raynesford, Geyser, Moccasin, Benchland, and Windham 128 PM MST Mon Jan 5 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM MST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 8 AM to 11 PM MST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Remember, a High Wind Warning means that there is at least an 80% chance of 40 mph sustained winds or 58 mph wind gusts occurring during the warning period. && $$ Brusda
315 WWUS75 KTFX 060928 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT Issued by National Weather Service Glasgow MT 228 AM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 MTZ303-070030- /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.A.0003.260107T0600Z-260108T0600Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Santa Rita, Cut Bank, and Ethridge 228 AM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. For the High Wind Watch, west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...For the High Wind Warning, until 11 PM MST this evening. For the High Wind Watch, from this evening through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ301-302-307-308-070030- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Logan Pass, Saint Mary, Heart Butte, Rogers Pass, Choteau, Kiowa, Bynum, Dupuyer, Babb, Pendroy, East Glacier Park, Marias Pass, and Browning 228 AM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another period of gusty winds is likely to follow during the day Wednesday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ312-313-070030- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.260106T1500Z-260107T0600Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Benchland, Geyser, Raynesford, Stanford, Great Falls, Hobson, Moccasin, and Windham 228 AM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 8 AM this morning to 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another period of gusty winds is likely to follow during the day Wednesday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ314-317-318-070030- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.260106T1500Z-260107T0600Z/ Fergus County below 4500ft-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains- Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Monarch, Hilger, Lewistown, Neihart, and Kings Hill Pass 228 AM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...The Highwood, Little Belt, and Snowy Mountains, and Fergus County below 4500ft. * WHEN...From 8 AM this morning to 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another period of gusty winds is likely to follow during the day Wednesday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Ludwig
322 WWUS75 KTFX 061831 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT Issued by National Weather Service Glasgow MT 1131 AM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 MTZ303-070600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.A.0003.260107T0600Z-260108T0600Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Cut Bank, Santa Rita, and Ethridge 1131 AM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM MST THIS EVENING THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. For the High Wind Watch, west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...For the High Wind Warning, until 11 PM MST this evening. For the High Wind Watch, from 11 PM MST this evening through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ MTZ301-302-307-308-070600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Heart Butte, Logan Pass, Dupuyer, Browning, Saint Mary, Marias Pass, Babb, Kiowa, Choteau, Bynum, Rogers Pass, East Glacier Park, and Pendroy 1131 AM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 75 mph. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST 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. && $$ MTZ312-313-070600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Geyser, Raynesford, Great Falls, Hobson, Moccasin, Stanford, Benchland, and Windham 1131 AM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ314-317-318-070600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ Fergus County below 4500ft-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains- Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Neihart, Monarch, Kings Hill Pass, Hilger, and Lewistown 1131 AM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...The Highwood, Little Belt, and Snowy Mountains, and Fergus County below 4500ft. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST 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. && $$ Brusda
831 WWUS75 KTFX 062004 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT Issued by National Weather Service Glasgow MT 104 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 MTZ303-070600- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.A.0003.260107T0600Z-260108T0600Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Cut Bank, Santa Rita, and Ethridge 104 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...HIGH WIND WATCH IS CANCELLED... * WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another period of gusty winds is likely to follow during the day Wednesday. However, winds won't be as strong as today. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ301-302-307-308-070600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Saint Mary, Choteau, Babb, Marias Pass, Rogers Pass, Bynum, East Glacier Park, Logan Pass, Heart Butte, Dupuyer, Kiowa, Browning, and Pendroy 104 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another period of gusty winds is likely to follow during the day Wednesday. However, winds won't be as strong as today. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ312-313-070600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Stanford, Geyser, Hobson, Windham, Raynesford, Moccasin, Benchland, and Great Falls 104 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...Cascade County below 5000ft and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another period of gusty winds is likely to follow during the day Wednesday. However, winds won't be as strong as today. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ314-317-318-070600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ Fergus County below 4500ft-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains- Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Hilger, Lewistown, Kings Hill Pass, Neihart, and Monarch 104 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...The Highwood, Little Belt, and Snowy Mountains, and Fergus County below 4500ft. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another period of gusty winds is likely to follow during the day Wednesday. However, winds won't be as strong as today. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Wilson
166 WWUS75 KTFX 070230 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT Issued by National Weather Service Glasgow MT 730 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 MTZ312-314-317-318-070330- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Fergus County below 4500ft-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Hilger, Kings Hill Pass, Lewistown, Monarch, Great Falls, and Neihart 730 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED... While isolated gusts in excess of 50 mph will be possible through the remainder of the evening, widespread strong winds and gusts are no longer expected. Hence, the High Wind Warning is being cancelled a bit early. $$ MTZ301>303-307-308-070600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ 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, Choteau, Babb, Santa Rita, Bynum, Browning, Dupuyer, Kiowa, Ethridge, Pendroy, Rogers Pass, Saint Mary, Logan Pass, East Glacier Park, Heart Butte, and Marias Pass 730 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST 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. && $$ MTZ313-070600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Geyser, Moccasin, Raynesford, Windham, Hobson, Stanford, and Benchland 730 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The Geyser area is most favored for lingering strong winds and gusts through the evening. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ AM
955 WWUS75 KTFX 070424 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT Issued by National Weather Service Glasgow MT 924 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 MTZ301>303-307-308-070530- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ 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: Dupuyer, Bynum, Kiowa, Ethridge, Pendroy, Babb, Cut Bank, Santa Rita, Heart Butte, Saint Mary, Choteau, Browning, Logan Pass, Marias Pass, Rogers Pass, and East Glacier Park 924 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED... The threat for widespread strong winds and gusts has subsided. Hence, the High Wind Warning is being cancelled early. $$ MTZ313-070600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Windham, Hobson, Benchland, Geyser, Stanford, Raynesford, and Moccasin 924 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ AM
494 WWUS75 KTFX 070536 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1036 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 MTZ313-070645- /O.EXP.KTFX.HW.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260107T0600Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Benchland, Raynesford, Hobson, Geyser, Windham, Moccasin, and Stanford 1036 PM MST Tue Jan 6 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... Although a few stronger gusts will linger into the night, the threat for widespread strong winds and gusts is diminishing. The High Wind Warning will be allowed to expire at 11PM. $$ AM
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 4, 11:08 PM MST, 38 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- It will be warm and mostly dry across the lower-elevations through Wednesday with a brief cooldown to end the work week.
- Today through Thursday there will be periods of snow in the mountains of North-central, Central, and Southwestern Montana with the heaviest snow expected Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning.
- Winds will increase each day through Tuesday with strong winds remaining through at least Wednesday.
Area forecast discussion, Jan 4, 11:08 PM MST, 38 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1108 PM MST Sun Jan 4 2026 Aviation Section Updated. .KEY MESSAGES... - It will be warm and mostly dry across the lower-elevations through Wednesday with a brief cooldown to end the work week. - Today through Thursday there will be periods of snow in the mountains of North-central, Central, and Southwestern Montana with the heaviest snow expected Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning. - Winds will increase each day through Tuesday with strong winds remaining through at least Wednesday. && .UPDATE... /Issued 814 PM MST Sun Jan 4 2026/ Ample moisture ahead of troughing just off the Pacific coast will allow for a mix of rain and snow to continue this evening and tonight, mainly along the Continental Divide. Latest guidance was used to adjust to latest trends, otherwise no mentionable changes to the forecast this evening. -AM && .DISCUSSION... /Issued 814 PM MST Sun Jan 4 2026/ - Meteorological Overview: This afternoon there is an upper-level trough over North-central, Central, and Southwestern Montana. There is an embedded shortwave that will move through the upper-level flow this afternoon through this evening. This will bring another round of light snow to the mountains of North-central, Central, and Southwestern Montana on Sunday. On Sunday temperatures will remain warm across North-central, Central, and Southwestern Montana. Due to a strong surface pressure gradient and strong low and mid-level winds on Sunday it will be windy. Sunday evening through early Monday morning there is the possibility for rain to occur and then freeze in the Helena Valley. See the Forecast Confidence & Scenarios section for details. On Monday there is an upper-level ridge over North-central Montana. This will maintain the warm temperatures with windy conditions and light mountain snow. Monday night into Tuesday morning an upper-level shortwave will move over North-central Montana. This will bring strong winds to the Rocky Mountain Front and plains west of I- 15. On Tuesday there will be zonal flow over North-central, Central, and Southwestern Montana. Then Tuesday afternoon an upper-level shortwave will move through the upper-level flow. Due to strong mid and low-level winds and a strong pressure gradient. It will be windy on Tuesday. On Tuesday there will be cooler temperatures and mountain snow. On Wednesday there will be zonal flow aloft with an upper-level shortwave moving through North-central, Central, and Southwestern Montana in the afternoon. This will keep cool but still above seasonal averages for temperatures across the area. Due to strong mid and low-level flow and a strong pressure gradient it will be windy on Wednesday. On Wednesday there will be mountain snow. On Thursday an upper-level trough moves over North-central, Central, and Southwestern Montana. This will cool down temperatures and bring mountain snow to the area on Thursday. Also due to strong mid and low-level winds and a strong pressure gradient it will be windy along the Rocky Mountain Front and plains west of I-15 on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday an upper-level ridge will move over North- central, Central, and Southwestern Montana. This will warm temperatures up with mostly dry weather. -IG - Forecast Confidence & Scenarios: Tonight through early Monday morning there is a 15 - 30% chance for rain to fall in the Helena Valley. If any rain does fall then there is a very high chance that it will freeze on roads, driveways and sidewalks. From 6 AM Monday through 6 AM Thursday there is a 80% chance for 6 inches of snow or greater across the Rocky Mountain Front and West Yellowstone area in Southwestern Montana. From 11 AM Tuesday to 11 AM Wednesday there is a 60% chance for 6 inches of snow or greater along the Rocky Mountain Front. Due to not a high enough probability for 9 inches of snow a Winter Storm Watch was not issued at this time. On Sunday and Monday there is greater than a 90% chance for wind gusts of 55 mph or greater along the Rocky Mountain Front. On Monday there is a 30 - 50% chance for wind gusts of 55 mph or greater along the plains west of I-15. On Tuesday there is a 60 - 80% chance for wind gusts of 55 mph or greater along the plains west of I-15. On Tuesday there is greater than a 70% chance for wind gusts of 75 mph or greater along the Rocky Mountain Front. On Tuesday there is a 30 - 50% chance for wind gusts of 55 mph along the Montana 200/US Highway 87 Corridor between Great Falls and Lewistown. As a result High Wind Watches have been issued for the Rocky Mountain Front, plains west of I-15 and the lower-elevations of Cascade and Judith Basin Counties on Tuesday. On Wednesday there is greater than an 80% chance for wind gusts of 55 mph or greater along the plains west of I-15. On Wednesday there is greater than a 70% chance for wind gusts of 75 mph or greater along the Rocky Mountain Front. On Wednesday there is a 30 - 50% chance for wind gusts of 55 mph along the Montana 200/US Highway 87 Corridor between Great Falls and Lewistown. On Thursday there is a 30 - 50% chance for wind gusts of 55 mph or greater along the plains west of I-15. On Thursday there is greater than an 80% chance for wind gusts of 55 mph or greater along the Rocky Mountain Front. -IG && .AVIATION... 05/06Z TAF Period Area remains under a WSW flow aloft with variable mid-high level clouds through the period. Moisture and an embedded weather disturbance moving through tonight will maintain areas of mountain snow, valley rain, and mountain obscuration near the the continental divide with a period of lower mid-level clouds and some mountain obscuration as well as a few widely scattered showers passing across central MT overnight. Overall VFR conditions persist at all terminals. Hoenisch/Ludwig && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... GTF 58 35 47 30 / 0 10 10 10 CTB 49 29 41 26 / 10 0 0 0 HLN 53 28 43 25 / 10 30 20 40 BZN 52 28 44 24 / 0 10 20 40 WYS 37 24 33 20 / 60 50 60 70 DLN 50 27 43 25 / 10 20 10 10 HVR 57 26 40 23 / 0 10 10 0 LWT 56 31 47 25 / 0 10 10 20 && .TFX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... High Wind Watch from Monday evening through Tuesday evening for East Glacier Park Region-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Northern High Plains-Southern High Plains- Southern Rocky Mountain Front. High Wind Watch from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening for Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. && 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 4, 11:46 PM MST | High Wind Watch | TFX | Cascade, Chouteau, Fergus, Judith Basin, Liberty, Meagher and 3 more | 14 hr |
| Jan 5, 1:33 PM MST | Winter Weather Advisory | TFX | Beaverhead, Gallatin, Madison | 21 hr |
| Jan 5, 1:33 PM MST | Winter Weather Advisory | TFX | Glacier, Pondera | 45 hr |
Nearby
High Wind Warnings in Montana, 2026Every high wind 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; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.