Billings, Montana – Strong northwest winds up to 75 mph could impact southern Montana foothills Tuesday, creating hazardous travel and potential power disruptions.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, a cold front moving through the region Tuesday will bring widespread wind gusts of 30 to 55 mph across south-central and southeast Montana. Localized gusts into the 60 to 75 mph range are possible, particularly along the Beartooth, Bighorn and Pryor foothills.
Mountain wave activity ahead of the front may produce isolated damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph along foothill communities including Red Lodge, Big Timber, Sheridan and areas near the Bighorn Mountains. The overall probability of damaging winds is described as moderate.
The strongest winds are expected between 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday along the Bighorn and Pryor foothills, and between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday near the Beartooth foothills.
High-profile vehicles along Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 212 could encounter difficult crosswinds. Blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility in mountain areas, with brief periods of moderate blowing snow possible in far eastern Montana Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items and prepare for possible tree damage and isolated power outages. Commuters and school transportation routes in foothill regions may experience hazardous conditions during peak travel hours.
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