Strong shortwave trough with deepening surface low pressure area aided in the development of significant severe weather for portions of northern and central Montana. This episode included a downburst that produced a 115 mph wind gust near Sunburst, MT.
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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.
The episode as NWS TFX wrote it up.
Strong shortwave trough with deepening surface low pressure area aided in the development of significant severe weather for portions of northern and central Montana. This episode included a downburst that produced a 115 mph wind gust near Sunburst, MT.
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 Jun 8, 4:11 PM MST, 27 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Great Falls MT 511 PM MDT Thu Jun 8 2017 .UPDATE... Thunderstorms have developed along the Rocky Mountain Front late this afternoon. Instability is peaking with warm air and unusually high dewpoints across North-central Montana. Mid-level lapse rates and shear are increasing as a shortwave trough advances from the southwest. Storms are expected to progress to the east-northeast, with some potential for damaging winds and large hail. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect through 11pm. && .SYNOPSIS... Ongoing strong to severe thunderstorms will continue into the overnight hours with damaging winds and large hail the main threats. By Friday, there is a continued chance of showers and a few storms, with only a few spotty showers over the weekend. However, by the start of the work week on Monday and Tuesday, there is the potential for widespread heavy rainfall as the next major storm system develops and impacts a large majority of our area. High temperatures will return to near seasonable levels on Friday and into the upcoming weekend. && .DISCUSSION... && .AVIATION... Updated 1743Z. VFR conditions will generally prevail through the forecast period, however, increasing instability during the afternoon hours ahead of an upper level disturbance could bring isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms for the mid/late afternoon and into the evening hours. Those terminals most at risk of seeing a thunderstorm are KCTB, KGTF, KHVR, and KHLN. Storms could become strong to severe near these terminals, producing gusty/erratic winds, hail, and heavy rain. In addition to the threat for precipitation, a Pacific Front will sweep from west to east across the region during the evening. This front will bring a wind shift, in addition to breezy winds which could gust upwards of 30kts. - Moldan/Martin && .HYDROLOGY... The flood warning for the Big Hole River near Melrose has been cancelled. The river has fallen below flood stage. However the river will remain high for the next several days and could once again exceed flood stage later this weekend or next week. Additionally, there is the potential for a late spring storm early next week that could bring widespread heavy precipitation to portions of Central and North Central MT. Rainfall amounts could be heavy enough that some flooding problems develop. Brusda && .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 242 PM MDT Thu Jun 8 2017/ Rest of Today through Tonight...As of 1pm, the atmosphere remains capped. However, lift will continue to increase in association with the approaching shortwave. Still think this wave and convergence near/north of the SFC low track will aid in storms developing this afternoon over the mountains, then moving out over the plains through tonight. But, it still should be noted that if the cap holds, the coverage of storms my be fairly isolated. Regardless, any storm that can break through the cap and sustain itself will be in a favorable environment for strong to severe storms capable of large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. With near to above normal moisture in the atmosphere, isolated flash flooding cannot be ruled out. Still think the greatest threat for storms and severe weather will be along the Hi-line. Southern sections of central Montana (ie. Great Falls to Lewistown) will be more conditional on whether the cap breaks or not. Friday/Friday Night...As the large upper low over the Pacific continues to edge eastward, another potent s/w is forecast to traverse the area, with a focus of precipitation across the southern half of our CWA. While shear across SW MT looks fairly strong on Friday, instability looks much weaker than today. That said, certainly cannot rule out a few stronger storms developing, capable of gusty winds and hail. Showers and storms may clip southern sections of central Montana, but the Hi-line looks to stay mostly dry and breezy. Martin Saturday through Sunday...A few scattered showers will be possible over the weekend as the region will be in-between storm systems. Most showers will be short lived and light. Afternoon temperatures will be a bit below normal. For Monday through Tuesday night...A strong late season spring storm will affect the region. Both the GFS/EC prog some of the heaviest precipitation over portions of Central and North Central MT where 1 to 3 inches of rain could fall. Isolated higher amounts are possible. Expect some adjustments over the next few days. The heavy rainfall could result in flooding problems. Thus pops have been raised for this period. Temperatures will be below normal. For Wednesday into Thursday...The flow aloft will be out of the northwest. Expect a slow warming trend...with a few light showers. Brusda && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... GTF 53 70 45 66 / 30 30 30 10 CTB 49 67 43 64 / 60 0 10 10 HLN 54 70 45 66 / 30 70 50 20 BZN 49 71 44 66 / 10 40 50 20 WEY 39 61 35 59 / 0 30 50 20 DLN 48 68 41 62 / 20 50 30 10 HVR 56 76 48 73 / 50 10 20 0 LWT 54 69 44 65 / 10 80 50 10 && .TFX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 307 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT...Eastern Glacier...Hill...Cascade...Chouteau...Central and Southern Lewis and Clark...Toole...Liberty...Eastern Pondera...Eastern Teton && weather.gov/greatfalls
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
329 PM MDT THU JUN 8 2017
MTZ009-010-082215-
Northern Rocky Mountain Front MT-Eastern Glacier MT-
329 PM MDT THU JUN 8 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WEST CENTRAL PONDERA AND SOUTH
CENTRAL GLACIER COUNTIES UNTIL 415 PM MDT...
At 328 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles south of East Glacier Park Village, or 45 miles southwest of
Cut Bank, moving north at 25 mph.
Dime size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Browning, East Glacier Park Village, South Browning, North Browning,
East Glacier Park, Kiowa and Starr School.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until
this storm passes.
&&
LAT...LON 4862 11281 4820 11306 4821 11324 4824 11323
4830 11334 4862 11336
TIME...MOT...LOC 2128Z 182DEG 24KT 4829 11319
MARTINSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
420 PM MDT THU JUN 8 2017
MTZ009-010-082315-
Northern Rocky Mountain Front MT-Eastern Glacier MT-
420 PM MDT THU JUN 8 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WEST CENTRAL PONDERA AND SOUTH
CENTRAL GLACIER COUNTIES UNTIL 515 PM MDT...
At 418 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking multiple strong
thunderstorms 12 miles south of East Glacier Park Village, or 44
miles southwest of Cut Bank, moving north at 15 mph.
Dime size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm. In addition, these storms will continue to train over
the same area, producing higher rainfall amounts.
Locations impacted include...
Browning, East Glacier Park Village, South Browning, North Browning,
East Glacier Park and Starr School.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until
this storm passes.
&&
LAT...LON 4856 11277 4818 11304 4822 11323 4824 11323
4827 11329 4828 11329 4860 11331
TIME...MOT...LOC 2218Z 197DEG 15KT 4828 11314
MARTINSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
518 PM MDT THU JUN 8 2017
MTZ014-082345-
Central and Southern Lewis and Clark MT-
518 PM MDT THU JUN 8 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WEST CENTRAL LEWIS AND CLARK
COUNTY UNTIL 545 PM MDT...
At 518 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles southwest of Lincoln, or 20 miles northeast of Drummond, moving
northeast at 35 mph.
Nickel size hail and winds of 40 to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Lincoln.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 1100 PM MDT for
west central Montana.
LAT...LON 4716 11249 4684 11254 4684 11280 4717 11279
4717 11304 4718 11306 4726 11306
TIME...MOT...LOC 2318Z 203DEG 32KT 4690 11288
JANGLINThe Missoula radar (KMSX), 104 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:36 UTC.
23 thunderstorm wind, 4 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Quarter sized hail reported by the public along with estimated wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph.
Report of 75 mph thunderstorm wind gust.
Mesonet station reported a wind gust 63 mph.
Pendroy Montana DOT station reported a thunderstorm wind gust of 76 mph.
Rice Ridge mesonet reported a 71 mph thunderstorm wind gust.
Storm chaser reported quarter sized hail.
Public report of quarter sized hail south of Ethridge near Potter Road.
Mesonet station reported wind gust of 80 mph.
Conrad Airport AWOS site reported a thunderstorm wind gust of 70 mph.
Trained spotter reports tree blown down by thunderstorm outflow. Winds estimated around 60 mph.
Mesonet site reported a measured wind gust of 60 mph.
Trained spotter reported a severe wind gust that caused sheet metal to wrap around pole.
Law Enforcement reported a double semi-trailer blown over at Mile Marker 358 along Interstate 15.
Mesonet site reported a measured thunderstorm wind gust of 58 mph.
Trained spotter reported severe wind gust of 62 mph via social media.
Sunburst DOT sensor recorded a gust of 83 mph.
Public report of a temporary greenhouse tent destroyed at a grocery store.
A 115 mph thunderstorm wind gust was recorded by personal weather station. Likely associated with downburst. Damage to trees, picnic area, roof, and siding.
Mesonet station reported 75 mph wind gust.
Mesonet station reported severe wind gust of 58 mph.
Trained spotter reported 2 semis and 1 camper blown over along I-15 north of Shelby.
Trained spotter reported downed tree branches and a power outage.
Mesonet station reported a measured wind gust of 65 mph.
Mesonet reported thunderstorm wind gust of 59 mph.
Trained Spotter reported nickel to quarter sized hail.
Trained spotter measured 58 mph thunderstorm wind gust.
Public reported damage to building in city of Havre. Damage caused by severe thunderstorm winds.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Montana in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in Montana, June 2017
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: 699799, 699820, 699822, 699823, 699824, 699800, 699802, 699815, 699825, 699807, 699827, 699808, 699810, 699828, 699809, 699812, 699813, 699831, 699817, 699814, 699811, 699819, 699818, 699829, 699804, 699830, 699832.