BILLINGS, Mont. – A powerful autumn wind event is sweeping across the northern Rockies and Upper Midwest on Sunday, prompting Wind Advisories from Montana to Michigan. The National Weather Service reports gusts ranging from 45 to 65 mph, producing hazardous travel and isolated power outages across several states.
In south-central Montana, the strongest winds are focused near Livingston and the Beartooth Foothills, where gusts near 65 mph are making travel hazardous on Interstate 90. Farther west, the West Glacier Region is under a Wind Advisory until early Sunday morning for gusts up to 45 mph.
Across North Dakota and northern Minnesota, sustained west winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph will persist through this evening. The National Weather Service offices in Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Duluth warn that unsecured objects could be blown about, tree limbs may snap, and isolated power disruptions are possible. The Iron Range, Boundary Waters, and Apostle Islands will see the most persistent gusts through late day.
Meanwhile, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, winds will increase this afternoon with gusts up to 45 mph near Marquette and Copper Harbor, continuing into Monday. Drivers of high-profile vehicles are urged to use caution, especially on open highways and elevated bridges.
By late Monday, winds are expected to diminish as the pressure gradient weakens, leaving behind cooler, calmer conditions across the northern tier states.
