Damaging Winds in Montana, June 28, 2022

Name: Damaging Winds in Montana, June 28, 2022
Start: 2022-06-28T12:37
End: 2022-06-28T22:33
Location: Montana

June 28, 2022 · NWS TFX · 27 events in 6 counties and zones

A trough hot on the heels of an upper ridge resulted in moist southwesterly flow across the region. Approaching trough created a weak surface low in the vicinity, which resulted in better surface moisture being advected in from the east.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 27

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 happened

The episode as NWS TFX wrote it up.

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 Jun 28, 10:15 AM MST, 2 hours 22 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jun 28, 10:15 AM MST, 2 hours 22 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1115 AM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

...Aviation Section Updated...

.SYNOPSIS...

A moist southwesterly flow will reside over Central MT today. As a
result, expect scattered showers and thunderstorms today. Some
storms could be severe over Central MT. Afternoon temperatures
will not be as hot for Wednesday and Thursday, but it will be
windy over North Central MT on Wednesday. Looking ahead to the 4th
of July weekend, expect afternoon highs around 80 degrees, with a
chance for an afternoon or evening thunderstorm each day.

&&

.Update...

Focus this morning was to populate the short term (i.e. forecast
through the first 36-48hrs) in anticipation of an active afternoon
due to thunderstorms. Overall the forecast is on track, with the
main adjustment to the on-going forecast being to increase PoPs to
account for radar and latest Hi-Res model trends. Showers and
thunderstorms were developing across the Northern Rockies as of
the mid-morning hours, with further shower and thunderstorm
development expected through the noon hour. Thunderstorms this
afternoon, especially east of a Whitehall, to Helena, to Great
Falls, to Havre line will have the best potential to produce
damaging wind gusts of between 60 and 70 mph. - Moldan

&&

.AVIATION...
1115 AM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022 (28/18Z TAF period)

VFR conditions are predominately expected throughout the 2818/2918
TAF period, with the exception of near/beneath showers and
thunderstorms when low VFR or MVFR conditions can be expected.
Showers and thunderstorms were developing across the Northern
Rockies late this morning, with further development expected through
21z and storms then persisting through 03z Wednesday. Some
thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, especially near the KBZN,
KHLN, KGTF, KLWT, and KHVR terminals, could become severe and
produce damaging wind gusts (i.e. in excess of 50kts). Periods of
mountain obscuration are likely near/beneath thunderstorms. - Moldan

Refer to weather.gov/zlc for more detailed regional aviation weather
and hazard information.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION...
/ISSUED 354 AM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022/
Today through Tonight...A moist southwesterly flow aloft has
developed over Central MT, resulting in morning showers moving
into Western MT. Some of these showers will affect areas just east
of the divide later this morning. For this afternoon, a strong
upper level disturbance will move through Central MT.
Showers/thunderstorms will accompany this disturbance. Some of the
storms could be severe this afternoon/evening, with the main
threat being damaging wind gusts. Some small hail can't be
complete ruled out. The best time frame for the severe storms to
occur should be from about 2 PM to 9 PM this evening. Portions of
Central MT are now under a slight risk during this time. Afternoon
temperatures will be warm ahead of this disturbance, especially
over North Central MT where the storms will arrive later.
Showers/thunderstorms diminish tonight from west to east, as
winds increase after Midnight along the divide.

Wednesday through Friday...Expect a brisk westerly flow aloft to
develop over North Central MT for Wednesday and Thursday. This
will result in rather windy conditions on Wednesday over North
Central MT. At this time, wind speeds should remain below warning
criteria, but wind gusts near 60 mph are possible along the Rocky
Mountain Front and in the 50 mph range over the adjacent Plains.
Afternoon temperatures will not be as hot for Wednesday and
Thursday, with a bit of rebound likely on Friday. The best chance
for a passing shower/thunderstorm will be mostly over the
northern portions of North Central MT for Wed and Thu, but any
precipitation amounts should be rather light, generally less than
0.05 inches.

Saturday through Tuesday...For the 4th of July weekend, expect a
southwest flow aloft to reside over Central MT. This will result
in daily chances for mostly afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
There is the potential that a few storms could be strong/severe if
we have enough instability. However, timing each wave that will
move through from Sat to Tue right now is a bit difficult, thus
the probability of storms right now is on the low side. As the
weekend approaches, the models should be in better agreement for
timing/location of the storms. Brusda

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
GTF  91  54  80  47 /  40  30   0   0
CTB  84  53  72  45 /  20  20  10  10
HLN  93  55  82  49 /  60  50  10   0
BZN  92  50  84  46 /  40  40  20   0
WYS  83  43  77  37 /  30  30  20   0
DLN  87  49  79  44 /  60  30  10   0
HVR  91  58  81  50 /  30  40   0   0
LWT  90  52  80  46 /  50  40  20   0

&&

.TFX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

http://www.weather.gov/greatfalls

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jun 28, 11:28 AM MST, 1 hour 9 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1228 PM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

MTZ050-051-281900-
Fergus MT-Judith Basin MT-
1228 PM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of central Judith Basin
and southwestern Fergus Counties through 100 PM MDT...

At 1227 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 12
miles south of Stanford, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Stanford, Hobson, Windham, Moccasin, Ackley Lake State Park, Sapphire
Village, Utica and Benchland.

This includes Highway 200 between mile markers 31 and 62.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4688 11029 4706 11051 4731 11018 4696 10975
TIME...MOT...LOC 1827Z 239DEG 25KT 4698 11027

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

JAF

Special weather statement, Jun 28, 11:58 AM MST, 39 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1258 PM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

MTZ014-281930-
Central and Southern Lewis and Clark MT-
1258 PM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southeastern Lewis
and Clark County through 130 PM MDT...

At 1256 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 19
miles northwest of Helena, moving northeast at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Wolf Creek, Marysville, Canyon Creek and Black Sandy State Park.

This includes Interstate 15 between mile markers 201 and 232.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

If on or near Canyon Ferry or Holter Lakes, get out of the water and
move indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out
to 10 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder,
you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter
now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.

Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until
this storm passes.

&&

LAT...LON 4706 11198 4675 11177 4665 11232 4666 11241
      4680 11251
TIME...MOT...LOC 1856Z 242DEG 35KT 4676 11235

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

JAF

Special weather statement, Jun 28, 12:03 PM MST, 34 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
103 PM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

MTZ050-051-281930-
Fergus MT-Judith Basin MT-
103 PM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of east central Judith
Basin and west central Fergus Counties through 130 PM MDT...

At 103 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles east of Stanford, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Hobson, Danvers, Glengarry, Moccasin and Benchland.

This includes Highway 200 between mile markers 47 and 64, and between
mile markers 68 and 75.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4703 11006 4715 11016 4723 11005 4735 10966
      4698 10953 4699 10989
TIME...MOT...LOC 1903Z 263DEG 25KT 4712 11004

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

JAF

Special weather statement, Jun 28, 12:09 PM MST, 28 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
109 PM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

MTZ050-051-281945-
Fergus MT-Judith Basin MT-
109 PM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of east central Judith
Basin and south central Fergus Counties through 145 PM MDT...

At 109 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles southwest of Moore, or 20 miles southwest of Lewistown, moving
east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of east central Judith
Basin and south central Fergus Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4677 10979 4692 10988 4697 10974 4697 10951
      4677 10934
TIME...MOT...LOC 1909Z 247DEG 24KT 4689 10978

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

JAF

Special weather statement, Jun 28, 12:18 PM MST, 19 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Great Falls MT
118 PM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

MTZ014-281930-
Central and Southern Lewis and Clark MT-
118 PM MDT Tue Jun 28 2022

...Strong Thunderstorms will impact portions of southeastern Lewis
and Clark County through 130 PM MDT...

At 117 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Helena, moving east at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Helena, East Helena and York.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 15 between mile markers 191 and 199.
 Highway 12 between mile markers 42 and 53.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

If on or near Canyon Ferry or Holter Lakes, get out of the water and
move indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out
to 10 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder,
you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter
now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.

Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until
this storm passes.

&&

LAT...LON 4657 11204 4668 11211 4675 11177 4658 11164
TIME...MOT...LOC 1917Z 250DEG 11KT 4668 11205

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

JAF

The radar

The Pocatello radar (KSFX), 228 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:36 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

27 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Beaverhead

When: June 28, 12:37 PM MST
Where: Beaverhead County, 4.58 mi SSW of Dillon
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.160, -112.690

Ambient weather station measured the gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Beaverhead

When: June 28, 12:53 PM MST
Where: Beaverhead County, 0.69 mi N of (Dln)dillon Arpt
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 45.260, -112.550

ASOS station kdln Dillon.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: June 28, 2:50 PM MST
Where: Madison County, 5.86 mi SSW of Ennis
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.270, -111.770

Measured by enm8 raws station/ Time estimated by radar.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: June 28, 2:57 PM MST
Where: Madison County, 1.46 mi SSE of Mc Allister
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.430, -111.720

Ambient weather station measurement.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gallatin

When: June 28, 4:06 PM MST
Where: Gallatin County, 2 mi SW of Matthews
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.580, -111.100

Ambient weather station measured the gust.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gallatin

When: June 28, 4:08 PM MST
Where: Gallatin County, 2.51 mi WSW of Patterson
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.620, -111.130

Gust measured an Ambient weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Beaverhead

When: June 28, 5:15 PM MST
Where: Beaverhead County, 4.85 mi WSW of Dillon
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.190, -112.740

Estimated wind gust of 50 kts.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: June 28, 7:16 PM MST
Where: Madison County, 3.59 mi SSW of Ennis
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.300, -111.750

Ennis raws enm8.

Thunderstorm Wind, Toole

When: June 28, 8:50 PM MST
Where: Toole County, 5.35 mi WSW of Shelby Arpt
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.490, -111.970

Gust measured via an Ambient sensor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Toole

When: June 28, 9:00 PM MST
Where: Toole County, 0.69 mi N of Shelby Arpt
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.540, -111.870

Gust measured at Shelby Airport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Toole

When: June 28, 9:28 PM MST
Where: Toole County, 11.46 mi NE of Hellinger
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.650, -111.280

Mesonet station gw0799 Galata 12 NNE.

Thunderstorm Wind, Toole

When: June 28, 9:29 PM MST
Where: Toole County, 10.68 mi NE of Hellinger
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.640, -111.290

Measured via an Ambient sensor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Liberty

When: June 28, 9:37 PM MST
Where: Liberty County, 0.83 mi SSW of Chester
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.510, -110.960

Mesonet station fw9939 Chester MT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Toole

When: June 28, 9:38 PM MST
Where: Toole County, 12.47 mi E of Kippen
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.750, -111.300

Gust measured via an Ambient sensor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Liberty

When: June 28, 9:45 PM MST
Where: Liberty County, 7.16 mi SW of Alma
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.740, -110.930

Mesonet station DW4821 Chester MT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Liberty

When: June 28, 9:45 PM MST
Where: Liberty County, 0.83 mi SSE of Joplin
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.560, -110.760

Mesonet station GW0416 Joplin MT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hill

When: June 28, 9:50 PM MST
Where: Hill County, 1.95 mi SE of Inverness
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 48.550, -110.650

Gust measured at the DOT sensor near Inverness.

Thunderstorm Wind, Liberty

When: June 28, 10:00 PM MST
Where: Liberty County, 2.82 mi ESE of Alma
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.810, -110.770

Mesonet Station GW0625 Joplin 17N.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hill

When: June 28, 10:03 PM MST
Where: Hill County, 5.34 mi SSE of Cold Stone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.830, -110.470

Gust measured via an Ambient sensor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Liberty

When: June 28, 10:07 PM MST
Where: Liberty County, 0.83 mi SSW of Chester
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.510, -110.960

Mesonet station FW9939 Chester MT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Liberty

When: June 28, 10:09 PM MST
Where: Liberty County, 7.2 mi NNW of Alma
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.910, -110.910

Mesonet station GW0718 Joplin 25 NNW.

Thunderstorm Wind, Liberty

When: June 28, 10:10 PM MST
Where: Liberty County, 6.34 mi NW of Alma
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.890, -110.920

Gust measured via an Ambient sensor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Liberty

When: June 28, 10:14 PM MST
Where: Liberty County, 8.3 mi N of Alma
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.940, -110.820

Gust measured via an Ambient sensor.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hill

When: June 28, 10:15 PM MST
Where: Hill County, 5.02 mi SW of Cold Stone
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.850, -110.600

Wind gust measured at mesonet station EW1937 Goldstone.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hill

When: June 28, 10:15 PM MST
Where: Hill County, 7.81 mi SSE of Cold Stone
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.790, -110.480

Gust measured at mesonet station FW1664 Hingham.

Thunderstorm Wind, Liberty

When: June 28, 10:30 PM MST
Where: Liberty County, 0.83 mi SSE of Joplin
Measured: 68 kt (78 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 48.560, -110.760

Mesonet station GW0416 Joplin MT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hill

When: June 28, 10:33 PM MST
Where: Hill County, 1.38 mi N of (Hvr)havre City-Co A
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 48.550, -109.770

ASOS station khvr Havre Airport.

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Montana in 2022 Every state in 2022 This day in weather history Warnings in Montana, June 2022

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: 1032392, 1032393, 1032394, 1032395, 1032396, 1032397, 1032398, 1036387, 1032400, 1032401, 1032402, 1032403, 1032404, 1032406, 1032408, 1032410, 1032412, 1032415, 1032417, 1032419, 1032421, 1032422, 1032423, 1032424, 1032425, 1032426, 1032428.