Billings, Montana – Crosswinds up to 70 mph are sweeping across central and south central Montana tonight, creating hazardous driving conditions along major highways through early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, a High Wind Warning remains in effect until 8 a.m. MST Friday for Northern Stillwater, Golden Valley, Judith Gap, Northern Sweet Grass, Melville Foothills and Southern Wheatland counties. West winds will gust between 60 and 70 mph, with the strongest winds expected Thursday into early Friday.
Travel along US-191 from Big Timber through Judith Gap and along US-12 from Harlowton to Ryegate faces the highest risk. Sudden crosswinds could shove semis and RVs out of their lanes, especially in open terrain near Lavina, Columbus and Melville. Gusts over 50 mph may linger into Friday afternoon.
Farther north, Phillips County, including Malta and Saco, will see gusts up to 65 mph from 11 p.m. tonight through 8 a.m. Friday. In the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, southwest winds could reach 80 mph through 8 p.m. Friday, impacting Cooke City and Silver Gate and creating dangerous backcountry conditions.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind periods. Additional advisories could follow if winds persist beyond Friday morning.
