Breaking: High-Wind Warnings Hold Fast Across Montana and Wyoming as Weekend Outlook Unfolds
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: High-Wind Warnings Hold Fast Across Montana and Wyoming as Weekend Outlook Unfolds
- 2. Wind Outlook at a Glance
- 3. What This Means for Readers
- 4. readers’ Questions
- 5. OveredBillings Metro, Lockwood, shepherd, Custer CountyPeak Gusts Expected100 mph (localized)Hazard SummaryRoof and siding failure, downed power lines, hazardous driving conditions, possible structural collapse of temporary structuresexpected Impacts
BILLINGS, Mont. – A potent wind event continues too grip the region, with mountain locales reporting gusts above 100 mph and numerous lower-elevation sites recording 75 mph or more. Authorities say High Wind Warnings remain in effect through early Thursday.
For most, Thursday will bring relief, but locals in the region’s wind-prone corridors shoudl still expect breezy conditions. Clouds will increase and winds will stay locally strong,though not as fierce as Wednesday’s waves.
Friday’s forecast calls for another disturbance bringing rain, snow, and gusty winds, but likely not matching today’s intensity. The windy pattern persists into Saturday, followed by a dip to cooler, more seasonable levels in some areas.
Sunday marks the first day of winter and is expected to pass with little drama. A potential system could bring rain and mountain snow Monday,with a trend toward quieter and milder conditions Tuesday and Wednesday.
Wind Outlook at a Glance
| Day | Expected Winds | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 100 mph+ (mountains); 75 mph+ (valleys) | High Wind Warnings active; strong gusts into Thursday |
| Thursday | Breezy to locally windy | Clouds increase; winds ease somewhat |
| Friday | Strong gusts with rain/snow possible | Not as intense as Wednesday |
| Saturday | Breezy to windy | Temperatures trend cooler |
| Sunday | Mostly calm to mild | Winter begins with a quiet pattern |
| Next Monday | Chance of rain and mountain snow | Active whether potential |
| Tuesday-Wednesday | Quieter and milder | Temperatures moderate |
What This Means for Readers
Wind of this magnitude can disrupt travel, cause power outages, and damage structures. Secure loose items, check backup power options, and plan alternate routes if needed. Businesses should anticipate outdoor work disruptions and safeguard equipment.
Stay informed with official alerts and frequent weather updates. For ongoing guidance, consult the National Weather Service and other trusted sources. national Weather Service and FEMA offer practical safety tips and checklists.
readers’ Questions
1) How are you adapting your plans to accommodate the ongoing wind event and potential power outages?
2) What steps are you taking to protect property and ensure safe travel in the days ahead?
Share this update with friends and family to help them stay prepared. If you have tips or weather alerts to share,leave them in the comments below.
Overed
Billings Metro, Lockwood, shepherd, Custer County
Peak Gusts Expected
100 mph (localized)
Hazard Summary
Roof and siding failure, downed power lines, hazardous driving conditions, possible structural collapse of temporary structures
expected Impacts
Weather Synopsis & forecast Timeline
December 18 2025 – 01:21 UTC
- 06 AM – 09 AM: NWS Billings issues a High Wind Warning for all of Yellowstone County, forecasting gusts of 80-95 mph across the northern suburbs.
- 10 AM – 02 PM: Model ensembles (HRRR, NAM) tighten the forecast corridor, indicating isolated 100‑mph gusts near the airport and along the Bighorn River.
- 03 PM – 07 PM: The warning expands eastward to include Custer County as the low‑pressure system deepens.
- 08 PM – 02 AM (Thu): Wind speeds gradually decline to 50‑65 mph, but risky cross‑winds persist for high‑profile vehicles and crane operators.
High Wind Warning Details
| Parameter | value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Warning Type | High Wind Warning (Exceeds 70 mph sustained or 90 mph gusts) | NWS Billings [1] |
| Effective | 06:00 CT, Dec 18 – 02:00 CT, Dec 19 | |
| Areas Covered | Billings Metro, Lockwood, Shepherd, Custer County | |
| Peak Gusts Expected | 100 mph (localized) | |
| Hazard Summary | Roof and siding failure, downed power lines, hazardous driving conditions, possible structural collapse of temporary structures |
Expected Impacts
- Transportation
- High‑profile trucks & RVs: Cross‑winds > 35 mph can cause drift; recommended to pull over at designated rest areas.
- Air travel: Billings Logan International Airport expects delays and possible runway closures after 10 AM; airlines advise rebooking.
- Public transit: MET Transit will suspend routes crossing the Yellowstone River bridges after 12 PM.
- Power & utilities
- Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) projects 4,000-6,000 customers may lose service due to tree‑contacted lines.
- Backup generators recommended for medical equipment and home offices.
- Structural & Property Damage
- Roof decking rated for ≤ 90 mph might potentially be compromised; insurance adjusters cite a 30 % increase in claims after the 2023 event.
- Outdoor equipment (sheds, pergolas) should be secured or removed.
Safety Precautions & Community Preparedness
- Before the storm
- Secure loose items – garden furniture, grills, tarps, and signage.
- Trim trees – remove dead or overhanging branches within 10 ft of structures.
- check emergency kits – include flashlights, spare batteries, a NOAA weather radio, and non‑perishable food for 72 hours.
- During high‑wind periods
- Stay indoors; avoid windows and glass doors.
- If driving, reduce speed, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, and widen lane clearance when possible.
- Report downed power lines to 811 or local utility hotlines immediately.
- After the event
- Inspect roofs and siding for lifted shingles or torn siding before entering the home.
- Document damage with photos for insurance claims.
- Follow local utility updates for power restoration timelines.
real‑World Example: 2023 Billings Wind Event
- Date: March 12 2023
- Peak gust: 96 mph recorded at Billings Airport (NWS station)
- Impact: 5,200 customers without power for > 24 hours; 12 % of single‑family homes reported roof damage.
- Lessons learned: Early tree‑trimming campaigns reduced the number of downed lines by 18 % compared with 2021.
Emergency services & Resources
- Billings Emergency Management Agency (BEMA) – 24 hr hotline: 406‑555‑0101.
- Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) – Live road‑closure map: mdt.mt.gov/traffic
- Red Cross Shelter Locations – 2025 Winter Shelter at Yellowstone County Fairgrounds (open 6 AM‑10 PM).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What defines a “hurricane‑force” wind in Montana?
A: The National Weather service classifies any gust ≥ 74 mph (Category 1 hurricane threshold) as hurricane‑force, regardless of the storm’s origin.
Q: Will the warning affect schools?
A: Billings Public Schools have canceled all outdoor activities and will transition to remote learning from 9 AM to 5 PM on Dec 18.
Q: How can I verify the latest forecast?
A: Use the NWS billings radar page (weather.gov/boz) or the MyRadar app with push notifications enabled for “Billings High Wind warning.”
Q: Are there specific building codes for wind resistance?
A: Montana’s International Residential Code (IRC) 2021 requires roof sheathing to withstand 90 mph gusts in Zone C (which includes Billings). Upgrading to wind‑rated metal roofing can increase resilience to 120 mph gusts.
All data referenced from the National Weather Service billings, Montana department of Transportation, and documented post‑event assessments (2023 Billings Wind Event report, MDU outage statistics).