Billings, Mont. – Severe thunderstorms are expected to hammer eastern Montana Saturday evening, with damaging winds and large hail possible from Carter County north through Valley and Sheridan counties.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 12 a.m. MDT Sunday for 15 counties, including Custer, Fallon, Phillips, and Richland. The watch warns of wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter as storms track east-northeast across the region.
Cities like Glendive, Miles City, and Sidney may see rapidly intensifying cells capable of producing lightning, power outages, and minor flash flooding along rural roadways and drainages. U.S. Route 2 and Highway 200 could become hazardous, especially in low-visibility downpours.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, avoid open fields, and stay indoors during thunderstorm activity. Charge devices and monitor NOAA weather radio or local alerts, as isolated warnings may follow.
This marks one of the largest thunderstorm watches issued across Montana this July, affecting a wide swath of high plains communities already dealing with above-average heat and dry conditions.
The severe threat should taper off after midnight, but new watches or warnings may be issued into early Sunday as the system continues eastward.
