Alert archive / Montana / High Wind Warnings in 2026
High Wind Warning 10, NWS Great Falls, MT
NWS Great Falls, MT issued this high wind warning at Feb 24, 2026, 1:15 PM MST for 15 counties in Montana. It took effect at Feb 25, 2026, 2:00 AM MST. It was in force for 19 hr. 38 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
- Feb 24, 2026, 1:15 PM MST (20:15 UTC)
- In effect from
- Feb 25, 2026, 2:00 AM MST
- Expired
- Feb 25, 2026, 8:31 PM MST
- In force
- 19 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Great Falls, MT
Counties Beaverhead County, MT, Broadwater County, MT, Cascade County, MT, Chouteau County, MT, Fergus County, MT, Gallatin County, MT, Glacier County, MT, Jefferson County, MT, Judith Basin County, MT, Lewis and Clark County, MT, Madison County, MT, Meagher County, MT, Pondera County, MT, Teton County, MT, Toole County, MT
The radar
The Great Falls radar (KTFX), 52 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:17 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 25, 4:40 AM MST | HIGH SUST WINDS 55 | 9 Ese East Glacier Park, MT | 55 mph average sustained wind from 340 AM until 440 AM. Note...Sustained winds over 50 mph occurred steady from 350 AM until about 1010 AM. |
| Feb 25, 5:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 64 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Feb 25, 5:45 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 2 Se Browning, MT | Mesonet station MTBWG Browning (MT DOT). |
| Feb 25, 6:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 6 Wsw Big Sky, MT | Mesonet station YCAMS 5.7 W Big Sky (AVALANCHE). |
| Feb 25, 6:15 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 20 Sw Bynum, MT | Mesonet station SALMT Salmond Ranch. |
| Feb 25, 6:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 13 S Marysville, MT | Mesonet station MTMDP MacDonald Pass (MT DOT). |
| Feb 25, 7:10 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | 9 Ese East Glacier Park, MT | Dog Gun Lake Mesonet. |
| Feb 25, 8:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 71 | 6 Wsw Big Sky, MT | Mesonet station YCTIM Yellowstone Club - Avalanche. |
| Feb 25, 9:21 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
| Feb 25, 10:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 8 Ne Bannack, MT | Mesonet station MTM14 BLM - Argenta. |
| Feb 25, 10:06 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 64 | 5 Ene Dillon, MT | ASOS station KDLN Dillon Airport. |
| Feb 25, 10:15 AM MST | HIGH SUST WINDS 41 | 16 Wsw Cut Bank, MT | Average sustained wind of 41 mph from 915 AM until 1015 AM. Note...sustained wind generally averaged over 40 mph from 915 AM until 145 PM. |
| Feb 25, 10:21 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
| Feb 25, 11:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 2 Nnw Shelby, MT | Mesonet station GW0664 Shelby Airport. |
| Feb 25, 11:00 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Feb 25, 11:10 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 64 | 16 Wsw Cut Bank, MT | 64 mph peak wind gust at Mission Lake Montana mesonet site. |
| Feb 25, 11:30 AM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | 9 Ne Bozeman, MT | Ambient weather station BCR measured a 66 mph wind gust. |
| Feb 25, 1:05 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 21 Sw Lima, MT | Mesonet station HRKM8 Harkness RAWS. |
| Feb 25, 1:11 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 15 Ene Belgrade, MT | Mesonet station TT838 Battle Ridge. |
| Feb 25, 2:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 8 Wsw Saint Mary, MT | Mesonet station SNPMT Sunpoint. |
| Feb 25, 2:15 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 4 Wsw Geyser, MT | Ambient weather station Bed Barn measured a 61 mph wind gust. |
| Feb 25, 2:15 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 4 E Cascade, MT | 65 mph wind gust at Cascade MDA Montana Mesonet site. |
| Feb 25, 2:46 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Feb 25, 2:55 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 9 Ne Bozeman, MT | Ambient weather station BCR measured a 67 mph wind gust. |
| Feb 25, 3:36 PM MST | HIGH SUST WINDS 42 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | Cut Bank Airport ASOS reported an average sustained wind of 42 mph between 110 PM to 315 PM local time. |
| Feb 25, 3:52 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 54 | 5 Wsw Great Falls, MT | ASOS station KGTF Great Falls Airport. |
| Feb 25, 3:53 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 12 Nne Checkerboard, MT | Mesonet station SFJM8 S. Fork Judith RAWS -12 NE Checkerboard. |
| Feb 25, 4:30 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 4 E Cascade, MT | Mesonet station MTM76 Cascade E Mda. |
| Feb 25, 4:30 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 10 S Fort Benton, MT | Mesonet station DVI04529 Fort Benton. |
| Feb 25, 5:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 14 Wsw Saint Mary, MT | 67 mph wind gust at Logan Pass GNP. |
| Feb 25, 5:21 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 75 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
| Feb 25, 6:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 14 Wsw Saint Mary, MT | Mesonet station LGPVC Logan Pass (GNP). |
| Feb 25, 6:21 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 79 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
| Feb 25, 6:45 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 2 Sse Geyser, MT | Mesonet station MTGYS Geyser (MT DOT). |
| Feb 25, 6:52 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 7 Ese Hilger, MT | Mesonet station JPKM8 Judith Peak RAWS. |
| Feb 25, 7:21 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 83 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
| Feb 25, 8:00 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 8 Wsw Saint Mary, MT | Mesonet station SNPMT Sunpoint. |
| Feb 25, 8:21 PM MST | NON-TSTM WND GST 87 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
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 12:00Z, 8.3 hours before the alert went out and 395 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
- 1045 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 116 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- -14 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 46 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
855 WWUS75 KTFX 242015 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 115 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 MTZ301-302-307-308-251200- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260225T0900Z-260227T1600Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0010.260225T0900Z-260226T0600Z/ /O.EXT.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260226T0600Z-260227T1600Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Heart Butte, Pendroy, Dupuyer, Marias Pass, Babb, Saint Mary, East Glacier Park, Choteau, Browning, Kiowa, Logan Pass, Bynum, and Rogers Pass 115 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 11 PM MST WEDNESDAY... ...HIGH WIND WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, west winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 85 mph expected. For the High Wind Watch, west winds 45 to 55 mph with gusts up to 90 mph possible. Winds may gust over 100 mph at times along the immediate eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountain Front. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...For the High Wind Warning, from 2 AM to 11 PM MST Wednesday. For the High Wind Watch, from Wednesday evening through Friday morning. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be dangerous, especially for high profile or light weight vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Those operating high profile or light weight vehicles should consider delaying travel. 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. && $$ MTZ303-251200- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0011.260225T0900Z-260227T1600Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0010.260225T0900Z-260226T0600Z/ /O.EXT.KTFX.HW.A.0011.260226T0600Z-260227T1600Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Cut Bank, Santa Rita, and Ethridge 115 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 11 PM MST WEDNESDAY... ...HIGH WIND WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, west winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph expected. For the High Wind Watch, west winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph possible. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...For the High Wind Warning, from 2 AM to 11 PM MST Wednesday. For the High Wind Watch, from Wednesday evening through Friday morning. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be dangerous, especially for high profile or light weight vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Those operating high profile or light weight vehicles should consider delaying travel. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ MTZ312-313-315>317-319-320-251200- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260225T0900Z-260227T1500Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0010.260225T0900Z-260226T0600Z/ /O.EXT.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260226T0600Z-260227T1500Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass-Gates of the Mountains-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains-Helena Valley-Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains- Including the following locations: Raynesford, Moccasin, Benchland, Marysville, Kings Hill Pass, Canyon Creek, Neihart, Trident, Maudlow, Geyser, Monarch, Great Falls, Windham, MacDonald Pass, Wolf Creek, Flesher Pass, Deep Creek Pass, Stanford, Lincoln, Craig, Helena, Hobson, Bozeman Pass, and Battle Ridge Pass 115 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 11 PM MST WEDNESDAY... ...HIGH WIND WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected. For the High Wind Watch, southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph possible. * WHERE...Cascade County, including the Little Belt and Highwood Mountains, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass, Gates of the Mountains, Helena Valley, and Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains. * WHEN...For the High Wind Warning, from 2 AM to 11 PM MST Wednesday. For the High Wind Watch, from Wednesday evening through Friday morning. * 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. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ MTZ321>326-328-251200- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260225T0900Z-260226T0600Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0010.260225T0900Z-260226T0600Z/ Meagher County Valleys-Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains-Canyon Ferry Area-Missouri Headwaters-Madison River Valley-Gallatin Valley- Beaverhead and Western Madison below 6000ft- Including the following locations: Elk Park Pass, Martinsdale, Toston, Harrison, Boulder, Ennis, Clancy, Montana City, Three Forks, Jeffers, McAllister, Bozeman, Ringling, Winston, Corbin, Gallatin Gateway, Wickes, Norris, Homestake Pass, Townsend, Waterloo, Whitehall, Bannack, Willow Creek, Checkerboard, Cameron, Dillon, Glen, Pony, and White Sulphur Springs 115 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 11 PM MST WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected with locally higher gusts possible near the Continental Divide. * WHERE...The Interstate 90 Corridor between Bozeman and Whitehall, The Madison and Beaverhead River Valleys, Meagher County Valleys, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, and Canyon Ferry Area. * WHEN...From 2 AM to 11 PM MST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Convective snowbands are possible on Wednesday between 4 AM and 12 PM and may impact the morning commute. Be prepared for sudden changes in road and weather conditions, especially if traveling along I-90. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ MTZ304-305-251200- /O.EXA.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260226T0600Z-260227T1500Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County- Including the following locations: Shelby, Havre, Lothair, Devon, Chester, Whitlash, Joplin, and Galata 115 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph possible. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, and Hill County. * WHEN...From Wednesday evening through Friday morning. * 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. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ MTZ306-310-311-251200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260226T0600Z-260227T1500Z/ Northern Blaine County-Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine- Including the following locations: Zurich, Harlem, Fort Belknap, Floweree, Carter, Rocky Boy, Chinook, Fort Benton, and Hogeland 115 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph possible. * WHERE...Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, Northern Blaine County, and Western and Central Chouteau County. * WHEN...From Wednesday evening through Friday morning. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ Glinskas
4 follow-up statements
845 WWUS75 KTFX 250639 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1139 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 MTZ305-250745- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260226T0600Z-260227T1500Z/ Hill County- Including the following locations: Havre 1139 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WATCH IS CANCELLED... $$ MTZ301-302-307-308-260000- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260226T0600Z-260227T1600Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0010.260225T0900Z-260226T0600Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Rogers Pass, Saint Mary, Kiowa, Heart Butte, Browning, Marias Pass, Choteau, Babb, Logan Pass, Bynum, Pendroy, East Glacier Park, and Dupuyer 1139 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST WEDNESDAY... ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...For the first High Wind Warning, west winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 85 mph expected. For the second High Wind Warning, west winds 45 to 55 mph with gusts up to 90 mph expected. Winds may gust over 100 mph at times along the immediate eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountain Front. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...For the first High Wind Warning, until 11 PM MST Wednesday. For the second High Wind Warning, from midnight Wednesday Night to 11 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be dangerous, especially for high profile or light weight vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Those operating high profile or light weight vehicles should consider delaying travel. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ MTZ303-260000- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0011.260226T0600Z-260227T1600Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0010.260225T0900Z-260226T0600Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Ethridge, Cut Bank, and Santa Rita 1139 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST WEDNESDAY... ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...For the first High Wind Warning, until 11 PM MST Wednesday. For the second High Wind Warning, from midnight Wednesday Night to 11 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be dangerous, especially for high profile or light weight vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Those operating high profile or light weight vehicles should consider delaying travel. 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. && $$ MTZ312-313-315>317-319-320-260000- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260226T0600Z-260227T1500Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0010.260225T0900Z-260226T0600Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass-Gates of the Mountains-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains-Helena Valley-Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains- Including the following locations: Benchland, Helena, Great Falls, Geyser, Kings Hill Pass, Hobson, Monarch, Deep Creek Pass, Moccasin, Stanford, Marysville, Neihart, Trident, Raynesford, Maudlow, Battle Ridge Pass, Craig, Bozeman Pass, Wolf Creek, Windham, Canyon Creek, Lincoln, Flesher Pass, and MacDonald Pass 1139 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST WEDNESDAY... ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West and southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected. * WHERE...Cascade County, including the Little Belt and Highwood Mountains, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass, Gates of the Mountains, Helena Valley, and Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains. * WHEN...For the first High Wind Warning, until 11 PM MST Wednesday. For the second High Wind Warning, from midnight Wednesday Night to 11 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ MTZ304-306-310-311-260000- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0010.260226T0600Z-260227T1500Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Northern Blaine County-Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine- Including the following locations: Whitlash, Lothair, Devon, Floweree, Chester, Joplin, Shelby, Chinook, Carter, Hogeland, Fort Benton, Rocky Boy, Zurich, Galata, Fort Belknap, and Harlem 1139 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, and Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine. * WHEN...From midnight Wednesday Night to 11 AM MST Friday. * 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. && $$ MTZ321>326-328-260000- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0010.260225T0900Z-260226T0600Z/ Meagher County Valleys-Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains-Canyon Ferry Area-Missouri Headwaters-Madison River Valley-Gallatin Valley- Beaverhead and Western Madison below 6000ft- Including the following locations: Elk Park Pass, Montana City, Winston, Bozeman, Willow Creek, Ringling, McAllister, Clancy, Three Forks, Cameron, Glen, Waterloo, Gallatin Gateway, Jeffers, Martinsdale, Toston, Corbin, Wickes, Norris, Harrison, Pony, White Sulphur Springs, Checkerboard, Dillon, Ennis, Whitehall, Bannack, Homestake Pass, Boulder, and Townsend 1139 PM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected with locally higher gusts possible near the Continental Divide. * WHERE...The Interstate 90 Corridor between Bozeman and Whitehall, The Madison and Beaverhead River Valleys, Meagher County Valleys, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, and Canyon Ferry Area. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Convective snowbands are possible on Wednesday between 4 AM and 12 PM and may impact the morning commute. Be prepared for sudden changes in road and weather conditions, especially if traveling along I-90. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ Wilson
711 WWUS75 KTFX 252037 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 137 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 MTZ318-261145- /O.EXA.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ Snowy and Judith Mountains- 137 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected. Wind gusts to 60 mph are expected at Lewistown Divide. * WHERE...Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * 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. 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. && $$ MTZ301>303-307-308-261145- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260226T0600Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front- Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Rogers Pass, Heart Butte, East Glacier Park, Bynum, Pendroy, Dupuyer, Babb, Marias Pass, Choteau, Cut Bank, Browning, Ethridge, Santa Rita, Kiowa, Logan Pass, and Saint Mary 137 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...For the first High Wind Warning, west winds 45 to 55 mph with gusts up to 85 mph. For the second High Wind Warning, west winds 45 to 60 mph with gusts up to 100 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...For the first High Wind Warning, until 11 PM MST this evening. For the second High Wind Warning, from midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Remember, a High Wind Warning means that there is at least an 80% chance of 40 mph sustained winds or 58 mph wind gusts occurring during the warning period. && $$ MTZ312-313-315>317-319-320-261145- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260226T0600Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass-Gates of the Mountains-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains-Helena Valley-Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains- Including the following locations: Canyon Creek, Trident, Deep Creek Pass, Raynesford, Helena, Moccasin, Maudlow, Wolf Creek, Benchland, Marysville, Neihart, Monarch, Hobson, Flesher Pass, Battle Ridge Pass, Bozeman Pass, Great Falls, Stanford, Craig, Lincoln, Windham, Geyser, Kings Hill Pass, and MacDonald Pass 137 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West and southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected today and 70 mph expected tomorrow. * WHERE...Cascade County, including the Little Belt and Highwood Mountains, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass, Gates of the Mountains, Helena Valley, and Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains. * WHEN...For the first High Wind Warning, until 11 PM MST this evening. For the second High Wind Warning, from midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * 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. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ MTZ321>326-328-260600- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260226T0600Z/ Meagher County Valleys-Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains-Canyon Ferry Area-Missouri Headwaters-Madison River Valley-Gallatin Valley- Beaverhead and Western Madison below 6000ft- Including the following locations: Willow Creek, Dillon, White Sulphur Springs, Glen, Winston, Pony, Elk Park Pass, Checkerboard, Montana City, Three Forks, Ringling, Jeffers, Clancy, Boulder, Corbin, Norris, Townsend, McAllister, Gallatin Gateway, Martinsdale, Bozeman, Toston, Harrison, Ennis, Wickes, Waterloo, Homestake Pass, Cameron, Bannack, and Whitehall 137 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph expected with locally higher gusts possible near the Continental Divide. * WHERE...The Interstate 90 Corridor between Bozeman and Whitehall, The Madison and Beaverhead River Valleys, Meagher County Valleys, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, and Canyon Ferry Area. * WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. && $$ MTZ304-306-310-311-261145- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Northern Blaine County-Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine- Including the following locations: Joplin, Lothair, Hogeland, Whitlash, Fort Belknap, Chinook, Floweree, Rocky Boy, Chester, Shelby, Galata, Devon, Fort Benton, Harlem, Carter, and Zurich 137 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, and Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * 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. && $$ Ludwig
319 WWUS75 KTFX 260040 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 540 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 MTZ303-307-308-261100- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260226T0600Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Ethridge, Rogers Pass, Choteau, Santa Rita, Bynum, Cut Bank, and Pendroy 540 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 55 mph, with gusts up to 95 mph expected. * WHERE...Southern Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ312-313-315>317-319-320-261100- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260226T0600Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ Cascade County below 5000ft-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass-Gates of the Mountains-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains-Helena Valley-Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains- Including the following locations: Geyser, Canyon Creek, Raynesford, Windham, MacDonald Pass, Hobson, Wolf Creek, Flesher Pass, Kings Hill Pass, Craig, Neihart, Great Falls, Helena, Stanford, Lincoln, Marysville, Battle Ridge Pass, Trident, Benchland, Deep Creek Pass, Bozeman Pass, Maudlow, Monarch, and Moccasin 540 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Cascade County, including the Little Belt and Highwood Mountains, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass, Gates of the Mountains, Helena Valley, and Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * 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. && $$ MTZ321>326-328-260145- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260226T0600Z/ Meagher County Valleys-Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains-Canyon Ferry Area-Missouri Headwaters-Madison River Valley-Gallatin Valley- Beaverhead and Western Madison below 6000ft- Including the following locations: Boulder, Checkerboard, Clancy, Dillon, Townsend, Bannack, Waterloo, Ennis, Bozeman, Elk Park Pass, Winston, Three Forks, Whitehall, Harrison, Pony, Willow Creek, McAllister, Montana City, Glen, Ringling, Wickes, Martinsdale, Toston, Cameron, White Sulphur Springs, Gallatin Gateway, Norris, Homestake Pass, Jeffers, and Corbin 540 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED... The threat for strong winds has ended. $$ MTZ301-302-261100- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260226T0600Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains- Including the following locations: Kiowa, Logan Pass, Babb, Browning, Dupuyer, East Glacier Park, Saint Mary, Marias Pass, and Heart Butte 540 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING... ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...For the first High Wind Warning, west winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 75 mph. For the second High Wind Warning, west winds 40 to 60 mph with gusts up to 100 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier National Park and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...For the first High Wind Warning, until 11 PM MST this evening. For the second High Wind Warning, from midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * 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. && $$ MTZ304-306-310-311-318-261100- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Northern Blaine County-Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine- Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Devon, Galata, Fort Belknap, Carter, Chester, Lothair, Fort Benton, Rocky Boy, Joplin, Whitlash, Chinook, Shelby, Hogeland, Zurich, Floweree, and Harlem 540 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Brusda
705 WWUS75 KTFX 260331 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 831 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 MTZ301-302-261315- /O.CAN.KTFX.HW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-260226T0600Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains- Including the following locations: Logan Pass, Kiowa, Heart Butte, East Glacier Park, Browning, Marias Pass, Saint Mary, Dupuyer, and Babb 831 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 55 mph, with gusts up to 90 mph expected. Isolated gusts around 100 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier National Park and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * 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. && $$ MTZ305-309-314-261315- /O.EXA.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ Hill County-Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton-Fergus County below 4500ft- Including the following locations: Lewistown, Conrad, Ledger, Brady, Hilger, and Havre 831 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton Counties, Hill County, and Fergus County below 4500ft. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ313-261315- /O.EXT.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0331Z-260227T1800Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Stanford, Moccasin, Windham, Geyser, Hobson, Raynesford, and Benchland 831 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Friday. * 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. && $$ MTZ303-307-308-261315- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Ethridge, Choteau, Bynum, Pendroy, Cut Bank, Santa Rita, and Rogers Pass 831 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 85 mph expected. * WHERE...Southern Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304-306-310>312-315>320-261315- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0011.260226T0700Z-260227T1800Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Northern Blaine County-Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine- Cascade County below 5000ft-Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass- Gates of the Mountains-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains-Snowy and Judith Mountains-Helena Valley-Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains- Including the following locations: Maudlow, Zurich, Chester, Bozeman Pass, Galata, Floweree, Monarch, Hogeland, Marysville, Kings Hill Pass, Wolf Creek, Devon, Whitlash, Neihart, Flesher Pass, Helena, Great Falls, Fort Belknap, Battle Ridge Pass, Chinook, Rocky Boy, Fort Benton, Lothair, Joplin, Craig, Trident, Shelby, Lincoln, Deep Creek Pass, Canyon Creek, Harlem, Carter, and MacDonald Pass 831 PM MST Wed Feb 25 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 11 AM MST FRIDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of central and north central Montana. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 11 AM MST Friday. * 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. && $$ Brusda
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 Feb 24, 4:26 AM MST, 8 hours 49 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Breezy winds for Tuesday, with windy conditions picking up early Wednesday morning through Friday.
- Chinook winds continue warmer temperatures through the work week.
- Daily chances for mountain snow continues through the week, with the heaviest snow falling along the Continental Divide.
- There will light lower elevation rain/snow for mainly Central and Southwest MT Tuesday and Wednesday, with a few snow squalls possible Wednesday morning.
- Colder temperatures look to return next weekend along with some snow.
Area forecast discussion, Feb 24, 4:26 AM MST, 8 hours 49 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Great Falls MT 426 AM MST Tue Feb 24 2026 Aviation Section Updated. .KEY MESSAGES... - Breezy winds for Tuesday, with windy conditions picking up early Wednesday morning through Friday. - Chinook winds continue warmer temperatures through the work week. - Daily chances for mountain snow continues through the week, with the heaviest snow falling along the Continental Divide. - There will light lower elevation rain/snow for mainly Central and Southwest MT Tuesday and Wednesday, with a few snow squalls possible Wednesday morning. - Colder temperatures look to return next weekend along with some snow. && .DISCUSSION... /Issued 1204 AM MST Tue Feb 24 2026/ - Meteorological Overview: Westerly flow aloft is weakening heading into Tuesday. Therefore, winds aren't expected to be as strong as Monday's winds. Westerly flow aloft will continue to stream in moisture over the Continental Divide. This will keep steady snowfall throughout the day Tuesday, with most of the additional snow during the overnight and morning hours. A front has helped spread the precipitation farther east along the plains this evening, and will continue to fill in as it pushes south. Marginal morning temperatures though will likely keep things a rain/snow mix across lower elevations. Any snow accumulations will be light as a result. Late Tuesday/early Wednesday morning, the mid level jet picks back up through Friday, which will bring a window for strong winds across much of the region. A cold frontal passage Wednesday morning will help mix these winds down to the surface as well as bring a band of snow/snow showers in Central and Southwest MT. Small amounts of instability brings the concerns for convective snow showers and squalls Wednesday morning. Peak winds look to move through the Thursday and Friday morning time frame, especially along the Rocky Mountain Front. Precipitation Thursday remains mostly along the Northern Continental Divide. Friday, an arctic front will help cut off the winds, winding down the stretch of windy conditions for the weekend. This front will also bring back a colder airmass with snow along. There remains model variability in how far south this front goes, which will ultimately determine how far south the cold air makes it along with the snow. - Forecast Confidence & Scenarios: Snow/Rain Tuesday: Over the mountains, most of the moderate snowfall will happen through Tuesday morning. This will produce an additional couple of inches at and above mountain passes. There will be lingering light snow throughout the afternoon, but warming road temperatures should keep any additional accumulations light. Therefore, the current Winter Weather Advisories remain on track. Winds Wednesday Through Friday: There is still pretty good confidence for impactful winds developing Wednesday through Friday. The first round will likely be along the frontal passage Wednesday morning. The cold front and accompanying snow bands/snow showers will try to mix down the stronger mid level winds down to the surface. A strong pressure gradient also building will create strong winds along the Continental Divide through the I-90 corridor. This will keep strong winds through the day Wednesday. One thing that has changed from the previous forecast is models did downtrend the mid level jet a bit and as a result, probabilities went down slightly. However, the overall synoptic set up still looks good enough to produce strong winds Wednesday. Probabilities for 80 mph winds still range between 40-90% for the Rocky Mountain Front. Probabilities for 58 mph go up to 50-80% chances for North- Central MT through Southwest MT. Models still hone in on Thursday/Friday morning having the peak winds along the Rocky Mountain Front. 700 mb winds peak to 70-80kts throughout this time frame, with the strongest winds over the Rocky Mountain Front. Higher end scenarios still show gusts can exceed 90- 100 mph along the Rocky Mountain Front. This will create dangerous cross-winds to those traveling. Parts of the North-Central MT plains have up to a 40-60% chance for 70 mph winds during this time frame as well. The high wind watches still remains in effect, with timings likely will be adjusted when there is better confidence in identifying the "lulls" in the strongest winds. The Helena Valley and Northern Blaine County was also added to the watch for Thursday due to increasing confidence in the strong mid level jet winds reaching to those locations. Snow Tuesday Night Through Wednesday: Beginning Tuesday evening, snow showers will start to cross over the Continental Divide into Southwest MT ahead of the cold front. The most impactful snow will likely be along the frontal passage Wednesday morning as there is a better chance for convective snow bands/snow squalls to form. Best chances for snow squalls look to be in Southwest MT, where there is better instability. The timing of the front remains a little uncertain, with recent models now progressing this front a few hours earlier in the morning. Regardless of the front timing, expect impacts to the Wednesday morning commute, especially along mountain passes. -Wilson && .AVIATION... 24/12Z TAF Period Moist westerly flow continues to stream east across the Northern Rockies and MT with widespread mountain obscuration and areas of precipitation developing across central and southwest MT this morning as an emebedded weather disturbance moves through. Expect widespread low-VFR/MVFR ceilings across central and southwest MT terminals this morning with a period rain/snow showers most likely to occur across areas south of a line from KHLN to KLWT in the 14-18z period. Snow levels range from around 4000 ft across N-central MT to around 5000 ft across SW MT with primarily snow at KLWT but more likely rain showers with a mix/transition to wet snow possible at KBZN. Precipitation diminishes and ceilings improve from west to east this afternoon. Hoenisch && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... GTF 46 31 49 35 / 20 20 10 0 CTB 43 25 44 30 / 0 10 0 0 HLN 47 31 47 27 / 40 50 40 0 BZN 49 32 49 23 / 70 40 60 0 WYS 37 28 39 12 / 90 50 90 10 DLN 48 33 45 22 / 40 20 50 0 HVR 41 21 49 28 / 0 10 0 0 LWT 40 28 44 28 / 50 50 20 0 && .TFX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Winter Weather Advisory until 11 AM MST this morning for East Glacier Park Region-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains-Northwest Beaverhead County-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass. High Wind Watch from late tonight through Friday morning 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 Wednesday evening through Friday morning for Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Northern Blaine County-Western and Central Chouteau County. High Wind Watch from late tonight through Friday morning for Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains-Cascade County below 5000ft- Gates of the Mountains-Helena Valley-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Little Belt and Highwood Mountains-Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass. High Wind Watch from late tonight through Wednesday evening for Beaverhead and Western Madison below 6000ft-Canyon Ferry Area- Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains-Gallatin Valley-Madison River Valley-Meagher County Valleys-Missouri Headwaters. && http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
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.