Billings, MT – Residents across central and eastern Montana should prepare for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening as storms develop over the higher terrain before spreading northeast and east across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Billings, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected to form during the afternoon, with a few becoming severe. The primary hazard is damaging wind gusts that could reach 65 mph, capable of bringing down tree limbs, causing isolated power outages, and creating hazardous travel conditions.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of central Montana under a Level 2 of 5 (Slight Risk) for severe thunderstorms, with surrounding areas included in a Level 1 of 5 (Marginal Risk). The greatest threat is expected between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. MDT.
Forecasters say thunderstorms will generally move from southwest to northeast as they spread across the state. While damaging winds are expected to be the primary severe hazard, lightning, brief heavy rainfall, and small hail are also possible with stronger storms.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially if spending time outdoors or traveling during the afternoon and evening. Loose outdoor items should be secured ahead of any stronger storms, and motorists should be prepared for sudden reductions in visibility and gusty crosswinds.
Conditions are expected to improve later Saturday night after storms move out of the area, but residents should continue monitoring forecasts in case watches or warnings are issued.
