Montana Is Being Hammered By Unusually Strong Winds

Dozens of counties in Montana are getting pummeled by high winds, with gusts up to 60 mph. Sustained winds of 30+ mph are happening from West Yellowstone to Wolf Point to Williston, North Dakota. Dangerous travel conditions exist in many parts of Montana through Tuesday evening.

Places like Forsyth and Colstrip were experiencing constant 35 mph winds on Monday afternoon, with even heavier sustained winds being recorded on the east side of Glacier National park. The GUSTS of wind that seemingly come out of nowhere, are extremely powerful and are being clocked at nearly 60 mph.

• A HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM MONDAY MORNING TO MIDNIGHT TUESDAY NIGHT.
• WHAT...West winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected.
• WHERE...Central and Southeast Phillips, Central and Southern Valley, Garfield, Petroleum, and Southwest Phillips Counties.
• WHEN...From 9 AM Monday morning to midnight Tuesday Night.
• IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power bumps.
• Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
• Strong to high winds could generate large waves on Fort Peck Lake which could swamp or tip small craft.
• Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.

These Wind Advisories, along with several Winter Weather Advisories are generally in effect through Tuesday night, but a few will last until noon on Wednesday. Slushy roads in higher elevations should be expected, ALONG WITH these dangerously gusty winds.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings cropped up in a few places across Montana on Monday, and more are expected on Tuesday. These storms might pop up quickly, so if you'll be traveling - check the weather forecast often.

• A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM TUESDAY TO 11 AM WEDNESDAY.
• WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches over MacDonald Pass, Homestake Pass and Georgetown Lake.
• 1 to 3 inches for the lower elevations, including Butte, Anaconda and Philipsburg.
• Winds gusting as high as 50 mph over MacDonald Pass will cause blowing snow and low visibility.
• WHERE...Butte, MacDonald Pass, Highway 12 Garrison to Elliston, Homestake Pass, and Georgetown Lake.
• WHEN...From 9 PM Tuesday to 11 AM Wednesday.

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