The National Weather Service office in Great Falls issued a High Wind Watch late Wednesday night covering portions of northern Montana, with the watch in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening, October 18.
Forecasters are calling for westerly winds of 30 to 50 mph with gusts potentially reaching 75 mph across the East Glacier Park Region Zone, Eastern Glacier County, Western Toole County, Central Pondera County, the Northern and Southern High Plains, and the Southern Rocky Mountain Front. The watch was first issued October 14 and updated October 15, with the core hazard area remaining consistent across both advisories.
The NWS warned that travel could be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles like semis, RVs, and pickup trucks with trailers. Isolated instances of downed trees and power lines are possible under gusts of that magnitude. Residents in affected areas should monitor forecasts and consider delaying travel Saturday if conditions deteriorate. The watch does not cover Helena directly, but drivers heading north toward Great Falls or the Hi-Line should plan accordingly.