BILLINGS, Mont. – Fierce westerly winds continue to hammer much of Montana this Sunday, with gusts topping 70 mph along the Rocky Mountain Front and across the central plains. The National Weather Service has issued multiple High Wind Warnings through Sunday evening, with the most dangerous conditions expected along I-90, US-191, and exposed mountain passes.
According to the NWS offices in Billings, Great Falls, and Glasgow, sustained winds of 30 to 45 mph are expected across Sweet Grass, Wheatland, Cascade, Pondera, and Liberty Counties, with isolated gusts over 75 mph near Cut Bank, Choteau, and the Little Belt Mountains. Power lines, tree limbs, and unsecured objects may be damaged or blown down. Drivers of semis and RVs should use extreme caution, especially on north-south routes where strong crosswinds can make vehicles unstable.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, charge devices ahead of possible power interruptions, and stay indoors if possible. In the hardest-hit areas, emergency managers are warning of scattered power outages and temporary travel restrictions for high-profile vehicles.
The wind event will begin to ease Sunday evening, though breezy conditions will persist into early Monday. Cooler temperatures and calmer weather are expected by midweek before another cold front approaches late next week.
