Lewistown, MT – Damaging wind gusts up to 75 mph are set to slam central and north-central Montana starting early Wednesday morning, threatening power outages and making travel dangerous across a wide stretch of the state through 9 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls and Billings, High Wind Warnings are in effect across much of central Montana, including Fergus County, Judith Basin, and areas along the Rocky Mountain Front. Winds will intensify by 6 a.m. along the Front with gusts reaching 75 mph, and even exceeding 85 mph in exposed foothill areas. Locations like Cut Bank, Browning, and Choteau face the strongest impacts early in the day.
By mid-morning, winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph will expand into Lewistown, Hilger, and Judith Gap. Along Highway 191 between Big Timber and Harlowton, strong crosswinds could make travel especially dangerous for semis, campers, and other high-profile vehicles.
Loose debris may become airborne, and isolated power outages are possible across Fergus, Sweet Grass, and Golden Valley counties. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel, especially during peak wind hours this afternoon.
Conditions will gradually ease after 9 p.m., but additional advisories remain possible if damaging winds persist into the overnight hours.
