Weather
Montana High Wind Warning Oct. 23: Dangerous Gusts Until 9 PM
Great Falls, MT – Powerful northwest winds are threatening travel across portions of north central Montana on Friday, Oct. 23, with gusts reaching 60 mph and High Wind Warnings remaining in effect thr
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-23T21:09:32.918Z
Great Falls, MT – Powerful northwest winds are threatening travel across portions of north central Montana on Friday, Oct. 23, with gusts reaching 60 mph and High Wind Warnings remaining in effect through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, warnings updated at 1:12 p.m. Friday cover portions of Toole, Liberty, Hill and Fergus counties. Sustained northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph, could create dangerous driving conditions, particularly for trucks, recreational vehicles, trailers and other high profile vehicles.
High Wind Warnings Continue Until 6 PM and 9 PM The warning for eastern Toole County and portions of Liberty and Hill counties remains in effect until 6 p.m. MDT Friday, Oct. 23 .
Affected communities include Shelby, Galata, Lothair, Devon, Joplin, Chester, Havre and Whitlash.
Farther south, the High Wind Warning for Fergus County below 4,500 feet, including Lewistown and Hilger, continues until 9 p.m. MDT Friday, Oct. 23 .
Both warning areas could experience wind gusts reaching 60 mph before conditions improve.
Dangerous Travel Conditions Expected Friday Evening Strong crosswinds may make driving difficult along exposed highways and open roadways throughout the affected counties.
Motorists should use additional caution, especially when operating high profile vehicles that are more vulnerable to sudden wind gusts.
Residents are also encouraged to secure outdoor furniture, garbage containers, decorations and other loose objects that could be blown around or damaged.
While the warnings expire at different times Friday evening, residents should continue monitoring updated forecasts and travel conditions.
The National Weather Service urges anyone traveling through affected areas to remain alert until the strongest winds subside.