Great Falls, Mont. – Residents in southwest Montana are being urged to prepare for possible flash flooding Wednesday afternoon as thunderstorms bring heavy rainfall across Madison and Beaverhead counties. The National Weather Service warns that recent wildfire burn scars could see rapid runoff and dangerous debris flows.
According to the National Weather Service in Great Falls, rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible, with the heaviest storms expected over the Cloudrest, Bivens Creek, McAllister, Big Hollow, Grouse, Sawlog, and South Fork burn scars. The Flash Flood Watch remains in effect Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.
Communities including Ennis, Sheridan, Virginia City, Harrison, and Wisdom are at risk for sudden flooding and mudslides. Local roads near creeks and drainages could quickly become impassable, especially in burn scar terrain where vegetation no longer slows runoff. Officials urge residents to avoid low-lying areas, prepare for sudden evacuation if needed, and never attempt to drive across flooded roads.
The watch is expected to remain in place until late Wednesday evening, with updates issued if storm activity continues.
