Great Falls, MT – The plains of north-central Montana are waking up under a restless sky this morning as powerful winds rip across the foothills and valleys, rattling fences and sweeping dust over open fields. The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a High Wind Warning across a wide swath of the state — including Cascade, Fergus, Glacier, Toole, Blaine, Chouteau, Hill, and Pondera Counties — in effect through 5 p.m. Sunday.
Winds are expected to sustain 35–50 mph with gusts as high as 80–90 mph along the Rocky Mountain Front, particularly near Marias Pass, Cut Bank, and Browning. Even sheltered areas like Great Falls, Havre, Lewistown, and Fort Benton could see 60 mph gusts this afternoon and evening. According to the weather service, this setup rivals some of the strongest early-season Chinook events in recent years.
Travel on I-15, U.S. 2, and Highway 200 may become treacherous, especially for semis and high-profile vehicles. Blowing debris and falling branches could cause power interruptions and scattered property damage. Residents are urged to secure loose items, tie down equipment, and stay alert for falling tree limbs.
The fierce west wind will gradually ease late Sunday, giving way to calmer but cooler air by Monday. Temperatures will hold in the 50s across the plains, dropping into the 40s by mid-week as quieter, seasonable weather returns.
For now, central Montana braces for a roaring start to November — a reminder that when the Rockies breathe deep, the entire plains feel the rush.
