High Wind Warning Issued for Central and South Central Montana with Gusts up to 70 MPH

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Billings, MT, has issued a High Wind Warning for several regions in central and south central Montana. The alert is classified as severe, with hazardous conditions expected to impact the area during the day Thursday.

Affected Areas

The following geographic regions and counties are included in the warning:

• Musselshell
• Northern Big Horn
• Southern Big Horn
• Southeastern Carbon
• Bighorn Canyon
• Northern Carbon
• Northeastern Yellowstone
• Southwestern Yellowstone

What You Should Do

Residents are urged to take immediate precautions to ensure safety:

• Secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.
• Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm and stay away from windows.
• Watch for falling debris and tree limbs.
• Use extra caution if you must drive. High-profile vehicles should consider postponing travel or taking alternate routes until winds subside.
• Avoid any activities that could spark fires, as dry grasses will allow fires to spread rapidly.

Expected Conditions

West winds with gusts ranging from 50 to 70 mph are anticipated, with locally higher gusts possible. These extreme wind gusts could blow down trees and power lines, leading to potential power outages. Travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is effective from 6:00 AM MDT to 9:00 PM MDT on Thursday, March 12, 2026.