Montana, 2002

High Wind in Montana, November 16 to 17, 2002

November 16 to 17, 2002 · NWS TFX · 9 events in 9 counties and zones

9 high wind, as filed by the National Weather Service.

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
9

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Nov 16, 3:00 PM MST, 1 hour earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Nov 16, 3:00 PM MST, 1 hour before
SOUTHWEST AND NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREAT FALLS MT
300 PM MST SAT NOV 16 2002

.SHORT TERM...WIND SPEEDS SLOWLY ON THE INCREASE THIS AFTERNOON.
UPPER RIDGE AXIS CONTINUES TO MOVE EAST AS AN UPPER LEVEL TROF
PUSHES TOWARD THE CWA FROM THE WEST. MODELS STILL INDICATING A
TIGHTENING SURFACE PRESSURE GRADIENT WITH H7 WIND SPEEDS 50 TO 55
KTS. MODELS HAVE BACKED OFF A BIT WITH THE H7 WIND SPEEDS FROM
PREVIOUS RUNS BUT STILL STRONG ENOUGH TO LET THE HIGH WIND WARNING
RIDE INTO TONIGHT. UPPER RIDGE BUILDS OVER THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
SUNDAY WITH NORTHWEST FLOW ALOFT OVER THE AREA THROUGH THE
REMAINDER OF THE FORECAST PERIOD. WILL KEEP THE FORECAST DRY WITH
THE EXCEPTION OF SOME ISOLATED POPS OVER THE SOUTHWEST WHERE
CONDITIONS A BIT MORE MOIST AND UNSTABLE. TEMPERATURES WILL REMAIN
ABOVE SEASONAL NORMS THROUGH TUESDAY. EMANUEL

.EXTENDED...THE PERIOD BEGINS WITH MODERATE TEMPERATURES WEDNESDAY
AND THURSDAY BUT A COOLING TREND DROPS TEMPERATURES SIGNIFICANTLY BY
SATURDAY. A SHORT WAVE WILL BE APPROACHING THE ROCKIES ON THURSDAY...
AND ALTHOUGH TEMPS WILL BE MODERATE...BREEZY CONDITIONS WILL DEVELOP
BY LATE THURSDAY. AS THE SHORTWAVE CROSSES THE ROCKIES ON FRIDAY...
AN ASSOCIATED COLD FRONT WILL MOVE OUT OF CANADA AND DROP INTO
CENTRAL MONTANA. THE AIRMASS IS QUITE DRY...SO ALTHOUGH ISOLATED
SHOWERS ARE POSSIBLE...WIDESPREAD PRECIP IS NOT EXPECTED. HOWEVER...
THE COLD FRONT WILL COOL TEMPERATURES SIGNIFICANTLY BY SATURDAY.
ZELZER

.CCF NUMBERS
GTF EB 042/048 034/053 035 08011
    BBBEB 056/038 057/035 052/028 046/025 036 11100011110
CTB EB 038/045 030/049 032 08011
    BBEEB 053/034 053/030 047/023 043/020 032 11100011110
HLN MB 035/048 030/052 026 08121
    BBBEB 055/032 051/027 046/024 039/017 032 11100011110
BZN MM 026/045 023/049 024 08121
    MBBEB 053/022 044/018 040/015 039/012 036 22200011110
WEY MM 018/034 015/038 018 08122
    MBBEB 044/016 037/011 034/008 028/008 032 22200011110
DLN MM 028/045 025/049 023 08122
    MBBEB 046/022 045/019 041/015 040/014 037 22200011110
HVR EB 034/050 027/053 028 08011
    BBBEB 057/033 053/026 053/026 046/021 038 11100011110
LWT EB 036/048 026/051 028 08011
    BBBEE 055/035 054/030 048/025 043/022 034 11100011110

.TFX...HIGH WIND WARNING TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING FOR
       THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT AND ADJACENT PLAINS...AS WELL
       AS CENTRAL MONTANA AND THE NORTHERN PORTION OF SOUTHWEST
       MONTANA.
Hazardous weather outlook, Nov 16, 6:30 AM MST, 9 hours 30 minutes before
MTZ008>015-044>055-170130-
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREAT FALLS MT
630 AM MST SAT NOV 16 2002

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST MONTANA

.DAY ONE...TODAY

STRONG WINDS WILL DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON ALONG THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN
FRONT...THEN SPREAD EAST ACROSS THE PLAINS OVERNIGHT. A HIGH WIND
WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR MUCH OF THE FORECAST AREA. REFER TO
GTFNPWTFX FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

INSTRUCTIONS TO SPOTTERS...

WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

STRONG WINDS WILL CONTINUE TO AFFECT MUCH OF NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA
SUNDAY MORNING...THEN DIMINISH DURING THE AFTERNOON. HIGH WINDS ARE
EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AGAIN ON MONDAY AND CONTINUE INTO TUESDAY.

Event by event

9 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.

High Wind, Cascade

When
November 16, 4:00 PM MST to November 17, 10:00 AM MST
Where
Cascade forecast zone
Measured
63 kt (72 mph)
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER

A high wind event occurred over North Central Montana on the 16th and 17th. The winds began to pick up in intensity over the Rocky Mountain Front late in the afternoon on the 16th. The winds then continued through the night, before diminishing in intensity during the late morning hours of the 17th.Here is a list of some peak wind speeds recorded:On November 16th:Lewistown 10NE 60 mph at 1610 MST; Browning 61 mph at 1650 MST; Pendroy 58 mph at 1940 MST; Chinook 11S wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph at 1945 MST; Cut Bank 66 mph at 2006 MST; and Cut Bank 71 mph at 2330 MST.On November 17th:Gold Butte 7N 59 mph at 0018 MST; Chouteau 2S 64 mph at 0230 MST; Sweetgrass sustained winds of 46 mph at 0300 MST; Pendroy 68 mph at 0400 MST; Augusta 20S 59 mph at 0440 MST; Chouteau 2S 71 mph at 0515 MST; and Cascade 5S 69 mph at 0530 MST.

High Wind, Southern Lewis and Clark

When
November 16, 4:00 PM MST to November 17, 10:00 AM MST
Where
Southern Lewis and Clark forecast zone
Measured
63 kt (72 mph)
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER

A high wind event occurred over North Central Montana on the 16th and 17th. The winds began to pick up in intensity over the Rocky Mountain Front late in the afternoon on the 16th. The winds then continued through the night, before diminishing in intensity during the late morning hours of the 17th.Here is a list of some peak wind speeds recorded:On November 16th:Lewistown 10NE 60 mph at 1610 MST; Browning 61 mph at 1650 MST; Pendroy 58 mph at 1940 MST; Chinook 11S wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph at 1945 MST; Cut Bank 66 mph at 2006 MST; and Cut Bank 71 mph at 2330 MST.On November 17th:Gold Butte 7N 59 mph at 0018 MST; Chouteau 2S 64 mph at 0230 MST; Sweetgrass sustained winds of 46 mph at 0300 MST; Pendroy 68 mph at 0400 MST; Augusta 20S 59 mph at 0440 MST; Chouteau 2S 71 mph at 0515 MST; and Cascade 5S 69 mph at 0530 MST.

High Wind, Eastern Glacier

When
November 16, 4:00 PM MST to November 17, 10:00 AM MST
Where
Eastern Glacier forecast zone
Measured
63 kt (72 mph)
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER

A high wind event occurred over North Central Montana on the 16th and 17th. The winds began to pick up in intensity over the Rocky Mountain Front late in the afternoon on the 16th. The winds then continued through the night, before diminishing in intensity during the late morning hours of the 17th.Here is a list of some peak wind speeds recorded:On November 16th:Lewistown 10NE 60 mph at 1610 MST; Browning 61 mph at 1650 MST; Pendroy 58 mph at 1940 MST; Chinook 11S wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph at 1945 MST; Cut Bank 66 mph at 2006 MST; and Cut Bank 71 mph at 2330 MST.On November 17th:Gold Butte 7N 59 mph at 0018 MST; Chouteau 2S 64 mph at 0230 MST; Sweetgrass sustained winds of 46 mph at 0300 MST; Pendroy 68 mph at 0400 MST; Augusta 20S 59 mph at 0440 MST; Chouteau 2S 71 mph at 0515 MST; and Cascade 5S 69 mph at 0530 MST.

High Wind, Eastern Teton

When
November 16, 4:00 PM MST to November 17, 10:00 AM MST
Where
Eastern Teton forecast zone
Measured
63 kt (72 mph)
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER

A high wind event occurred over North Central Montana on the 16th and 17th. The winds began to pick up in intensity over the Rocky Mountain Front late in the afternoon on the 16th. The winds then continued through the night, before diminishing in intensity during the late morning hours of the 17th.Here is a list of some peak wind speeds recorded:On November 16th:Lewistown 10NE 60 mph at 1610 MST; Browning 61 mph at 1650 MST; Pendroy 58 mph at 1940 MST; Chinook 11S wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph at 1945 MST; Cut Bank 66 mph at 2006 MST; and Cut Bank 71 mph at 2330 MST.On November 17th:Gold Butte 7N 59 mph at 0018 MST; Chouteau 2S 64 mph at 0230 MST; Sweetgrass sustained winds of 46 mph at 0300 MST; Pendroy 68 mph at 0400 MST; Augusta 20S 59 mph at 0440 MST; Chouteau 2S 71 mph at 0515 MST; and Cascade 5S 69 mph at 0530 MST.

High Wind, North Rocky Mountain Front

When
November 16, 4:00 PM MST to November 17, 10:00 AM MST
Where
North Rocky Mountain Front forecast zone
Measured
63 kt (72 mph)
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER

A high wind event occurred over North Central Montana on the 16th and 17th. The winds began to pick up in intensity over the Rocky Mountain Front late in the afternoon on the 16th. The winds then continued through the night, before diminishing in intensity during the late morning hours of the 17th.Here is a list of some peak wind speeds recorded:On November 16th:Lewistown 10NE 60 mph at 1610 MST; Browning 61 mph at 1650 MST; Pendroy 58 mph at 1940 MST; Chinook 11S wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph at 1945 MST; Cut Bank 66 mph at 2006 MST; and Cut Bank 71 mph at 2330 MST.On November 17th:Gold Butte 7N 59 mph at 0018 MST; Chouteau 2S 64 mph at 0230 MST; Sweetgrass sustained winds of 46 mph at 0300 MST; Pendroy 68 mph at 0400 MST; Augusta 20S 59 mph at 0440 MST; Chouteau 2S 71 mph at 0515 MST; and Cascade 5S 69 mph at 0530 MST.

High Wind, Southern Rocky Mountain Front

When
November 16, 4:00 PM MST to November 17, 10:00 AM MST
Where
Southern Rocky Mountain Front forecast zone
Measured
63 kt (72 mph)
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER

A high wind event occurred over North Central Montana on the 16th and 17th. The winds began to pick up in intensity over the Rocky Mountain Front late in the afternoon on the 16th. The winds then continued through the night, before diminishing in intensity during the late morning hours of the 17th.Here is a list of some peak wind speeds recorded:On November 16th:Lewistown 10NE 60 mph at 1610 MST; Browning 61 mph at 1650 MST; Pendroy 58 mph at 1940 MST; Chinook 11S wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph at 1945 MST; Cut Bank 66 mph at 2006 MST; and Cut Bank 71 mph at 2330 MST.On November 17th:Gold Butte 7N 59 mph at 0018 MST; Chouteau 2S 64 mph at 0230 MST; Sweetgrass sustained winds of 46 mph at 0300 MST; Pendroy 68 mph at 0400 MST; Augusta 20S 59 mph at 0440 MST; Chouteau 2S 71 mph at 0515 MST; and Cascade 5S 69 mph at 0530 MST.

High Wind, Toole

When
November 16, 4:00 PM MST to November 17, 10:00 AM MST
Where
Toole forecast zone
Measured
63 kt (72 mph)
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER

A high wind event occurred over North Central Montana on the 16th and 17th. The winds began to pick up in intensity over the Rocky Mountain Front late in the afternoon on the 16th. The winds then continued through the night, before diminishing in intensity during the late morning hours of the 17th.Here is a list of some peak wind speeds recorded:On November 16th:Lewistown 10NE 60 mph at 1610 MST; Browning 61 mph at 1650 MST; Pendroy 58 mph at 1940 MST; Chinook 11S wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph at 1945 MST; Cut Bank 66 mph at 2006 MST; and Cut Bank 71 mph at 2330 MST.On November 17th:Gold Butte 7N 59 mph at 0018 MST; Chouteau 2S 64 mph at 0230 MST; Sweetgrass sustained winds of 46 mph at 0300 MST; Pendroy 68 mph at 0400 MST; Augusta 20S 59 mph at 0440 MST; Chouteau 2S 71 mph at 0515 MST; and Cascade 5S 69 mph at 0530 MST.

High Wind, Blaine

When
November 16, 4:00 PM MST to November 17, 10:00 AM MST
Where
Blaine forecast zone
Measured
63 kt (72 mph)
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER

A high wind event occurred over North Central Montana on the 16th and 17th. The winds began to pick up in intensity over the Rocky Mountain Front late in the afternoon on the 16th. The winds then continued through the night, before diminishing in intensity during the late morning hours of the 17th.Here is a list of some peak wind speeds recorded:On November 16th:Lewistown 10NE 60 mph at 1610 MST; Browning 61 mph at 1650 MST; Pendroy 58 mph at 1940 MST; Chinook 11S wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph at 1945 MST; Cut Bank 66 mph at 2006 MST; and Cut Bank 71 mph at 2330 MST.On November 17th:Gold Butte 7N 59 mph at 0018 MST; Chouteau 2S 64 mph at 0230 MST; Sweetgrass sustained winds of 46 mph at 0300 MST; Pendroy 68 mph at 0400 MST; Augusta 20S 59 mph at 0440 MST; Chouteau 2S 71 mph at 0515 MST; and Cascade 5S 69 mph at 0530 MST.

High Wind, Fergus

When
November 16, 4:00 PM MST to November 17, 10:00 AM MST
Where
Fergus forecast zone
Measured
63 kt (72 mph)
Reported by
TRAINED SPOTTER

A high wind event occurred over North Central Montana on the 16th and 17th. The winds began to pick up in intensity over the Rocky Mountain Front late in the afternoon on the 16th. The winds then continued through the night, before diminishing in intensity during the late morning hours of the 17th.Here is a list of some peak wind speeds recorded:On November 16th:Lewistown 10NE 60 mph at 1610 MST; Browning 61 mph at 1650 MST; Pendroy 58 mph at 1940 MST; Chinook 11S wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph at 1945 MST; Cut Bank 66 mph at 2006 MST; and Cut Bank 71 mph at 2330 MST.On November 17th:Gold Butte 7N 59 mph at 0018 MST; Chouteau 2S 64 mph at 0230 MST; Sweetgrass sustained winds of 46 mph at 0300 MST; Pendroy 68 mph at 0400 MST; Augusta 20S 59 mph at 0440 MST; Chouteau 2S 71 mph at 0515 MST; and Cascade 5S 69 mph at 0530 MST.

What these are

High Wind
Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Montana in 2002Every state in 2002This day in weather historyWarnings in Montana, November 2002

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 5322579, 5322580, 5322656, 5322666, 5322734, 5322735, 5322736, 5322802, 5322803.