Alert archive / Montana / High Wind Warnings in 2026
High Wind Warning 16, NWS Great Falls, MT
NWS Great Falls, MT issued this high wind warning at Mar 15, 2026, 1:03 PM MDT for 11 counties in Montana. It took effect at Mar 16, 2026, 9:00 AM MDT. It was in force for 36 hr. 51 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
- Mar 15, 2026, 1:03 PM MDT (19:03 UTC)
- In effect from
- Mar 16, 2026, 9:00 AM MDT
- Expired
- Mar 17, 2026, 9:00 PM MDT
- In force
- 36 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Great Falls, MT
Counties Blaine County, MT, Chouteau County, MT, Fergus County, MT, Glacier County, MT, Hill County, MT, Judith Basin County, MT, Lewis and Clark County, MT, Liberty County, MT, Pondera County, MT, Teton County, MT, Toole County, MT
The radar
The Great Falls radar (KTFX), 68 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 18:59 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 16, 9:21 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 92 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
| Mar 16, 11:11 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | Saint Mary, MT | Mesonet station SRYM8 Saint Mary RAWS. |
| Mar 16, 1:00 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 2 Se Browning, MT | Mesonet station MTBWG Browning (MT DOT). |
| Mar 16, 2:30 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 74 | 20 Sw Bynum, MT | Mesonet station SALMT Salmond Ranch. |
| Mar 16, 3:20 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Mar 16, 3:30 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 74 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Mar 16, 3:45 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 70 | 2 Se Browning, MT | Mesonet station MTBWG Browning (MT DOT). |
| Mar 16, 8:42 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Mar 16, 10:00 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 56 | 8 N Kiowa, MT | Mesonet station MRRGN Milk River Ridge. |
| Mar 16, 11:11 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | Saint Mary, MT | Mesonet station SRYM8 Saint Mary RAWS. |
| Mar 17, 12:17 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 70 | 15 E Whitlash, MT | Mesonet station GW0718 Joplin 25nnw. |
| Mar 17, 12:55 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 10 S Fort Benton, MT | Mesonet station DVI04529 Fort Benton. |
| Mar 17, 1:05 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 23 E Whitlash, MT | Fox Crossing SW (Montana Mesonet). |
| Mar 17, 1:30 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 20 N Rudyard, MT | Mesonet station EW1937 Goldstone. |
| Mar 17, 1:52 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 80 | 7 Ese Hilger, MT | Mesonet station JPKM8 Judith Peak RAWS. |
| Mar 17, 1:55 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 2 Nw Windham, MT | AWOS station K1CM Charlie. |
| Mar 17, 2:01 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 57 | 1 Nw Chinook, MT | Mesonet station MTCHK Chinook Us-2 Mp 403.5. |
| Mar 17, 2:25 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 12 Ne Lloyd, MT | |
| Mar 17, 2:30 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 1 N Loma, MT | Mesonet station MTLOM Loma (MT DOT). |
| Mar 17, 2:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 5 Ese Denton, MT | Mesonet station MTDEN Denton (MT DOT). |
| Mar 17, 2:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 8 Ese Fort Benton, MT | Mesonet station MTM02 10.2 S Loma (MT-MESO). |
| Mar 17, 2:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 9 Ese Fort Benton, MT | Fort Benton E (Montana Mesonet). |
| Mar 17, 2:55 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | 1 E Roy, MT | AWOS station K1OM Oscar. |
| Mar 17, 3:15 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 72 | 2 Se Browning, MT | Mesonet station MTBWG Browning (MT DOT). |
| Mar 17, 3:23 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 2 Nw Windham, MT | AWOS station K1CM Charlie. |
| Mar 17, 3:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | 2 Sse Geyser, MT | Mesonet station MTGYS Geyser (MT DOT). |
| Mar 17, 3:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 69 | 9 Sse Grass Range, MT | Mesonet station MTBCH Beacon Hill Us-87 Mp 35.0. |
| Mar 17, 3:55 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 13 Sse Forestgrove, MT | AWOS station KMVH N Bar Ranch AWOS. |
| Mar 17, 4:33 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 64 | 1 E Roy, MT | AWOS station K1OM Oscar. |
| Mar 17, 5:15 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 7 E Roy, MT | Mesonet station MTBOH Bohemian Corner Jct Mt-19 Us-191. |
| Mar 17, 5:15 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 78 | 14 Ene Saint Mary, MT | Wetzel Mesonet. |
| Mar 17, 5:21 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 86 | 8 Se East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station DCRM8 Deep Creek RAWS. |
| Mar 17, 5:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 7 E Roy, MT | Mesonet station MTBOH Bohemian Corner Jct Mt-19 Us-191. |
| Mar 17, 5:45 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 1 Ene East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station MTBRN Two Medicine Bridge (MT DOT). |
| Mar 17, 5:55 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 2 Se Ethridge, MT | Mesonet station GW1987 ETHRIDGE THREE SE. |
| Mar 17, 6:05 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 60 | 9 Ese Fort Belknap, MT | Savoy SW (Montana Mesonet). |
| Mar 17, 6:30 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 4 Ese Chinook, MT | Mesonet station MTM48 Chinook E - MDA. |
| Mar 17, 10:00 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 11 Ene Lincoln, MT | MDT Flesher Pass. |
| Mar 17, 10:18 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 68 | 13 S Fort Belknap, MT | Mesonet station FBLM8 Fort Belknap RAWS. |
| Mar 17, 10:35 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 13 Sse Forestgrove, MT | AWOS station KMVH N Bar Ranch AWOS. |
| Mar 17, 10:53 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 12 Nne Checkerboard, MT | Mesonet station SFJM8 S. Fork Judith RAWS -12 NE Checkerboard. |
| Mar 17, 11:15 AM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 69 | 13 Nnw Canyon Creek, MT | Mesonet station MTFPS Flesher Pass S-279 Mp 30.5. |
| Mar 17, 12:45 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 1 Ene East Glacier Park, MT | Mesonet station MTBRN Two Medicine Bridge (MT DOT). |
| Mar 17, 1:45 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 62 | 14 W Bynum, MT | Mesonet station DELMT Dellwo (MCSCN). |
| Mar 17, 2:00 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 61 | Sunburst, MT | Mesonet station MTSUN Sunburst (MT DOT). |
| Mar 17, 2:15 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 65 | 6 Nnw Sunburst, MT | Mesonet station MTSWT Sweetgrass (MT DOT). |
| Mar 17, 3:00 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 63 | 8 Ssw Choteau, MT | Mesonet station MTCTS Choteau South Us-287 Mp 56.0. |
| Mar 17, 4:26 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 67 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Mar 17, 4:45 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 58 | 9 Sse Grass Range, MT | Mesonet station MTBCH Beacon Hill Us-87 Mp 35.0. |
| Mar 17, 5:37 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 66 | 3 Sw Cut Bank, MT | ASOS station KCTB Cut Bank Airport. |
| Mar 17, 6:15 PM MDT | NON-TSTM WND GST 59 | 2 Se Browning, MT | Mesonet station MTBWG Browning (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 12:00Z, 7.1 hours before the alert went out and 331 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
- 995 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 34 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 54 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 62 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
964 WWUS75 KTFX 151903 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 103 PM MDT Sun Mar 15 2026 MTZ301>303-307-308-161015- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0015.260316T2100Z-260318T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0016.260316T1500Z-260318T0000Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera-Southern Rocky Mountain Front- Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Saint Mary, East Glacier Park, Browning, Kiowa, Babb, Santa Rita, Marias Pass, Logan Pass, Ethridge, Dupuyer, Pendroy, Heart Butte, Rogers Pass, Bynum, Cut Bank, and Choteau 103 PM MDT Sun Mar 15 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM MONDAY TO 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 40 to 50 mph, with gusts up to 85 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 9 AM Monday to 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-313-314-318-161015- /O.UPG.KTFX.HW.A.0015.260317T0300Z-260318T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0016.260316T2100Z-260318T0000Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Carter, Devon, Hobson, Raynesford, Floweree, Lewistown, Chinook, Lothair, Hogeland, Geyser, Zurich, Hilger, Havre, Rocky Boy, Fort Belknap, Galata, Fort Benton, Chester, Stanford, Windham, Joplin, Whitlash, Benchland, Moccasin, Harlem, and Shelby 103 PM MDT Sun Mar 15 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM MONDAY TO 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...From 3 PM Monday to 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause isolated power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Wilson
6 follow-up statements
267 WWUS75 KTFX 160635 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1235 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026 MTZ301>303-307-308-170000- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0016.260316T1500Z-260318T0000Z/ 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, Babb, Heart Butte, Pendroy, East Glacier Park, Cut Bank, Browning, Ethridge, Saint Mary, Logan Pass, Santa Rita, Choteau, Kiowa, Rogers Pass, and Marias Pass 1235 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 40 to 50 mph, with gusts up to 85 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-313-314-318-170000- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0016.260316T2100Z-260318T0000Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Moccasin, Zurich, Windham, Lothair, Raynesford, Geyser, Whitlash, Galata, Floweree, Chester, Fort Belknap, Shelby, Rocky Boy, Chinook, Hogeland, Stanford, Harlem, Carter, Havre, Lewistown, Fort Benton, Hobson, Hilger, Devon, Benchland, and Joplin 1235 AM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause isolated power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Brusda
098 WWUS75 KTFX 162056 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 256 PM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026 MTZ301>303-307-308-171200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0000Z/ 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: East Glacier Park, Kiowa, Heart Butte, Logan Pass, Marias Pass, Santa Rita, Cut Bank, Browning, Saint Mary, Pendroy, Ethridge, Dupuyer, Rogers Pass, Bynum, Choteau, and Babb 256 PM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 40 to 50 mph, with gusts up to 85 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-313-314-318-171200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0016.260316T2100Z-260318T0000Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Harlem, Whitlash, Carter, Chinook, Joplin, Chester, Moccasin, Stanford, Havre, Galata, Hogeland, Raynesford, Zurich, Lothair, Benchland, Fort Belknap, Fort Benton, Shelby, Windham, Geyser, Hobson, Rocky Boy, Hilger, Lewistown, Floweree, and Devon 256 PM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause isolated power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ Ludwig
603 WWUS75 KTFX 170555 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1155 PM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026 MTZ301>303-307-308-172100- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0000Z/ 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: Kiowa, Browning, Ethridge, Saint Mary, Logan Pass, East Glacier Park, Babb, Cut Bank, Santa Rita, Rogers Pass, Choteau, Marias Pass, Pendroy, Bynum, Dupuyer, and Heart Butte 1155 PM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...Westerly winds 40 to 50 mph, with gusts up to 75 mph. Winds may gust over 90 mph along the immediate eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountain Front. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause isolated power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds will occur Tuesday morning through early afternoon. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-313-314-318-172100- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0000Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Fort Belknap, Chester, Lothair, Joplin, Devon, Hobson, Hilger, Rocky Boy, Moccasin, Zurich, Windham, Benchland, Lewistown, Geyser, Harlem, Hogeland, Shelby, Floweree, Whitlash, Stanford, Havre, Carter, Galata, Chinook, Fort Benton, and Raynesford 1155 PM MDT Mon Mar 16 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...Westerly winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, Judith Basin County and Judith Gap, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ RG
067 WWUS75 KTFX 171838 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1238 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 MTZ301>303-307-308-181215- /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0017.260318T1200Z-260319T0300Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0000Z/ 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, Kiowa, Choteau, Pendroy, Babb, Logan Pass, Browning, Heart Butte, Dupuyer, Santa Rita, Ethridge, Saint Mary, Cut Bank, Marias Pass, East Glacier Park, and Bynum 1238 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING... ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...For the first High Wind Warning, west winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 75 mph. For the second High Wind Warning, west winds 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 85 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 6 PM MDT this evening. For the second High Wind Warning, from 6 AM to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause isolated 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. && $$ MTZ313-181215- /O.NEW.KTFX.HW.W.0017.260318T1500Z-260319T0300Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0000Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Windham, Moccasin, Raynesford, Stanford, Hobson, Benchland, and Geyser 1238 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING... ...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...For the first High Wind Warning, west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. For the second High Wind Warning, west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...For the first High Wind Warning, until 6 PM MDT this evening. For the second High Wind Warning, from 9 AM to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-314-318-180000- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0000Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Lewistown, Carter, Zurich, Galata, Havre, Hilger, Joplin, Lothair, Fort Belknap, Harlem, Rocky Boy, Chinook, Shelby, Devon, Hogeland, Floweree, Chester, Whitlash, and Fort Benton 1238 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. * WHERE...Eastern Toole and Liberty Counties, Hill County, Northern Blaine County, Western and Central Chouteau County, Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Snowy and Judith Mountains. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT 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. && $$ Wilson
141 WWUS75 KTFX 172340 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 540 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 MTZ301-302-307-308-181445- /O.EXP.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0000Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0017.260318T1200Z-260319T0300Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Saint Mary, Rogers Pass, Browning, Babb, Dupuyer, East Glacier Park, Choteau, Logan Pass, Kiowa, Heart Butte, Pendroy, Bynum, and Marias Pass 540 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Strong west winds will decrease some this evening then re-intensify on Wednesday with with west winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 75 mph developing again Wednesday morning. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 6 AM to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Remember, a High Wind Warning means that there is at least an 80% chance of 40 mph sustained winds or 58 mph wind gusts occurring during the warning period. && $$ MTZ313-181445- /O.EXP.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0000Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0017.260318T1500Z-260319T0300Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Stanford, Hobson, Raynesford, Geyser, Windham, Moccasin, and Benchland 540 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Strong west winds will decrease some this evening then re-intensify on Wednesday with with west winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph developing again Wednesday morning. * WHERE...Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 9 AM to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. 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. && $$ MTZ304>306-310-311-314-318-180045- /O.EXP.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0000Z/ Eastern Toole and Liberty-Hill County-Northern Blaine County- Western and Central Chouteau County-Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Fergus County below 4500ft-Snowy and Judith Mountains- Including the following locations: Harlem, Shelby, Devon, Joplin, Zurich, Lewistown, Chinook, Floweree, Hilger, Galata, Carter, Chester, Fort Benton, Fort Belknap, Rocky Boy, Lothair, Havre, Hogeland, and Whitlash 540 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING... Strong west winds will decrease this evening but very windy conditions will persist through the next several days. $$ MTZ303-181445- /O.EXT.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0300Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0017.260318T1200Z-260319T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Santa Rita, Cut Bank, and Ethridge 540 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING... ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Strong west winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph continue through early this evening, then decrease overnight. Strong west winds redevelop Wednesday with 30 to 40 mph speeds and gusts up to 60 mph expected. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...For the first High Wind Warning, until 9 PM MDT this evening. For the second High Wind Warning, from 6 AM to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. 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. && $$ Hoenisch
280 WWUS75 KTFX 180234 NPWTFX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Great Falls MT 834 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 MTZ303-181200- /O.EXP.KTFX.HW.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260318T0300Z/ /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0017.260318T1200Z-260319T0300Z/ Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera- Including the following locations: Santa Rita, Cut Bank, and Ethridge 834 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... ...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Strong west winds will decrease for a period overnight before redeveloping Wednesday morning. West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected on Wednesday. * WHERE...Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties. * WHEN...From 6 AM to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Remember, a High Wind Warning means that there is at least an 80% chance of 40 mph sustained winds or 58 mph wind gusts occurring during the warning period. && $$ MTZ301-302-307-308-181200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0017.260318T1200Z-260319T0300Z/ East Glacier Park Region-Northern High Plains-Southern Rocky Mountain Front-Southern High Plains- Including the following locations: Kiowa, Dupuyer, Heart Butte, Pendroy, Browning, Babb, Choteau, Bynum, East Glacier Park, Logan Pass, Rogers Pass, Saint Mary, and Marias Pass 834 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 75 mph expected. * WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains. * WHEN...From 6 AM to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. 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. && $$ MTZ313-181200- /O.CON.KTFX.HW.W.0017.260318T1500Z-260319T0300Z/ Judith Basin County and Judith Gap- Including the following locations: Geyser, Hobson, Stanford, Windham, Moccasin, Benchland, and Raynesford 834 PM MDT Tue Mar 17 2026 ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...Judith Basin County and Judith Gap. * WHEN...From 9 AM to 9 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Remember, a High Wind Warning means that there is at least an 80% chance of 40 mph sustained winds or 58 mph wind gusts occurring during the warning period. && $$ Hoenisch
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 Mar 15, 11:37 AM MDT, 1 hour 26 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Quieter weather conditions are expected today, before it turns windy and warmer starting Monday.
- Strong winds are possible daily from Monday through Friday over portions of North Central MT.
- Near record high temperatures are possible later this week.
Area forecast discussion, Mar 15, 11:37 AM MDT, 1 hour 26 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Great Falls MT 1137 AM MDT Sun Mar 15 2026 Aviation Section Updated. .KEY MESSAGES... - Quieter weather conditions are expected today, before it turns windy and warmer starting Monday. - Strong winds are possible daily from Monday through Friday over portions of North Central MT. - Near record high temperatures are possible later this week. && .DISCUSSION... /Issued 421 AM MDT Sun Mar 15 2026/ - Meteorological Overview: The atmospheric river of precipitation that has affected the CWA for the past 2 days is exiting the area this morning. Other than a passing snow shower/flurry early this morning, the precipitation will end. Expect a quieter day today, with mainly some passing clouds later this morning/this afternoon. Afternoon temperatures will remain cool today, especially over the fresh snow cover areas of Central/North Central MT. Tonight, warm air advection develops over the CWA, resulting in increased chances for light snow by Monday morning. Most of the snow accumulations will be in the mountains, where 4 to 8 inches will be possible over the Big Belt Mountains and Gallatin Mountain ranges. With most of the higher snow accumulations falling above 5000 feet, no advisory will be issued at this time. The next concern will be the increasing winds on Monday. There is a concern for blowing snow over much of North Central/Central MT. It will just depend on how quickly we warm before the winds increase, but there is still the potential that a blowing snow advisory might be needed for a portion of the CWA on Monday. By Monday afternoon, a strong westerly flow aloft will develop over North Central MT. This will allow for strong winds to develop over the Rocky Mountain Front and the Cut Bank area. These strong winds spread over a portion of the Plains of North Central MT Monday night. The strong winds will continue into Tuesday, before diminishing a bit Tuesday evening. Thus a high wind watch has been issued for a portion of North Central MT for this event. Periods of strong winds are expected from Wednesday through Friday along the Rocky Mountain Front and in the Cut Bank area. Additional high wind statements are likely for later this week as well. Along with the windy conditions, expect mild spring like air to move into the CWA as well. Afternoon temperatures from Wed thru next Sat should be well above normal. Other than some precipitation along the Rocky Mountain front, not much precipitation is expected elsewhere from Wed thru next Sat. - Forecast Confidence & Scenarios: There is an 80 percent chance for strong winds on Monday in the watch area, and that probability goes to 90 percent for Tuesday. There continues to be near an 80 percent chance for strong winds for Wednesday and Thursday along the Rocky Mountain Front and in the Cut Bank area, thus additional high wind statements are likely. There is a concern that temperatures will be slow to warm on Monday, and winds will increase before the snow crusts over. Thus there is the potential that blowing snow statements might be needed for a portion of North Central MT. Brusda && .AVIATION... 15/18Z TAF Period With high pressure overhead, expect VFR conditions to prevail through the daylight hours today. Clouds will begin to increase from SW to NE overnight tonight, with MVFR to near IFR conditions expected overnight tonight at KBZN, KEKS, and possibly KHLN due to low ceilings and occasional snow showers. BLSN may become a concern at KCTB and KGTF early Monday morning as winds increase, though uncertainty remains as to how much snow will loft. Ludwig && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... GTF 26 16 47 42 / 0 20 20 30 CTB 28 14 46 39 / 0 10 10 10 HLN 34 23 50 40 / 0 40 50 30 BZN 35 20 52 37 / 10 40 40 50 WYS 30 16 41 27 / 0 40 60 50 DLN 37 27 56 38 / 0 20 20 10 HVR 27 12 45 35 / 0 0 10 10 LWT 24 10 47 38 / 0 10 20 20 && .TFX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... High Wind Watch from Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon 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 Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon for Bears Paw Mountains and Southern Blaine-Eastern Toole and Liberty-Fergus County below 4500ft-Hill County-Judith Basin County and Judith Gap-Northern Blaine County-Snowy and Judith Mountains-Western and Central Chouteau County. && http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls
In the hours before
Local storm report, Mar 15, 8:31 AM MDT, 4 hours 32 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
831 AM MDT Sun Mar 15 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0831 AM Snow 2 WSW Moore 46.97N 109.74W
03/15/2026 E25.0 Inch Fergus MT Public
Approximately 25 inches of snow on the
ground. Significant drifting.
&&
MLLocal storm report, Mar 15, 8:32 AM MDT, 4 hours 31 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
832 AM MDT Sun Mar 15 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1200 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 2 WSW Moore 46.96N 109.74W
03/12/2026 M78 MPH Fergus MT Trained Spotter
Reported peak wind gust on Thursday.
&&
MLLocal storm report, Mar 15, 9:05 AM MDT, 3 hours 58 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
905 AM MDT Sun Mar 15 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0904 AM Snow 5 NE Hilger 47.31N 109.28W
03/15/2026 M4.0 Inch Fergus MT Trained Spotter
17 inches storm total.
&&
MLLocal storm report, Mar 15, 9:52 AM MDT, 3 hours 11 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
952 AM MDT Sun Mar 15 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0941 AM Snow 2 SE Lewistown 47.04N 109.39W
03/15/2026 E26.0 Inch Fergus MT Trained Spotter
Storm total.
&&
MLThe office that day
Everything else NWS Great Falls, MT issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 15, 3:10 AM MDT | High Wind Watch | TFX | Blaine, Chouteau, Fergus, Glacier, Hill, Judith Basin and 5 more | 10 hr |
| Mar 15, 1:50 PM MDT | Winter Weather Advisory | TFX | Glacier, Lewis and Clark, Pondera, Teton, Toole | 22 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.