A HIGH WIND WARNING remains in effect through this evening.
The tree at the Helena Civic Center that gets decorated with Christmas lights has been blown down. Widespread damage throughout the state has been reported to homes, business, trees and property. Numerous semi trucks have been blown over. Travel conditions are dangerous in areas because of the wind and also blowing dust/debris that is reducing visibility. At times, roads north and east of Great Falls were closed. Power outages have reported throughout Montana. Please do not go near any downed powerlines. It would be safest if everyone would stay inside until these winds die down. Slowly, the wind will ease through the evening and overnight but will not completely calm down until later in the day on Thursday. The windiest conditions on Thursday will be across eastern Montana, and the wind will slowly die off from west to east through the day. Skies will be mostly sunny with highs in the 30s to around 40. Friday will have a minor low pressure move through with scattered snow showers, possibly mixed with some rain in the lower elevations. A light accumulation is possible in the higher terrain. Highs will be in the 30s and 40s. Saturday will be a mostly sunny and blustery day with highs in the 30s to around 40. West wind will gust up to 30mph. Another storm will move toward the state on Sunday with increasing clouds and an increasing chance for snow through the afternoon and evening. Snow will become more widespread Sunday night into Monday. A few inches in the lower elevations are likely by Monday afternoon. Up to 6" will accumulate in the mountains. Overall the trend will be colder and snowier with arctic air and subzero temperatures arriving late next week. Winter is on the way.
Be safe out there.
Curtis Grevenitz
Chief Meteorologist
