Sheridan, WY – Sudden 60 mph wind gusts are roaring along the base of the Bighorn Mountains tonight, creating erratic crosswinds that could push high-profile vehicles out of their lanes before sunrise Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, a High Wind Warning remains in effect for the Sheridan Foothills until 8 a.m. Tuesday and for the Red Lodge Foothills until 6 a.m. West to southwest winds are gusting up to 60 mph, with the strongest bursts hitting areas directly against the mountains, including Dayton, Big Horn and Story in northern Wyoming, and near Red Lodge in south-central Montana.
Drivers along U.S. Highway 14 near Sheridan and mountain-adjacent roads around Red Lodge should expect rapid changes in wind speed over short distances. Officials warn that travel could become difficult, especially for semitrailers, campers and other tall vehicles exposed to open terrain.
Farther north, Northern Sweet Grass County and the Melville Foothills remain under a High Wind Warning until 5 a.m. Tuesday, where gusts up to 60 mph are impacting Highway 191 between Big Timber and Melville. A High Wind Watch follows late Tuesday night through Friday morning, when southwest winds could strengthen to 70 mph.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items immediately and delay nonessential travel until winds ease after sunrise. Additional warnings may be issued later this week as another round of strong winds develops.
