MONTANA: Strong Winds Now Up To 85 MPH This Weekend

Some dangerous, gusty winds will affect a large portion of Montana this weekend - all the way from Cut Bank down to Livingston, and many places in between. This could make travel difficult at times.

Let's start in the far north, and this is what is forecasted for counties on the east side of Glacier National Park:

• A HIGH WIND WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM FRIDAY AFTERNOON TO 2 PM SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
• WHAT...West winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts up to 85 mph expected.
• WHERE...The Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, and Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera Counties.
• WHEN...From 2 PM Friday afternoon to 2 PM Sunday.
• IMPACTS...Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines.
• Power outages are possible.
• Travel could be very difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds will briefly weaken during the day on Saturday and then increase again Saturday afternoon/evening.
• The strongest winds are expected to occur Saturday night.

For areas in and surrounding Great Falls, winds are expected to be slightly less strong but still may be dangerous at times. The gusty winds will also be focused on Saturday and Sunday:

• A HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
• WHAT...West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible.
• WHERE...Snowy and Judith Mountains, Cascade County below 5000ft, Fergus County below 4500ft, and Judith Basin County and Judith Gap.
• WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.
• IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages.
• Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest winds are expected to occur Saturday night.

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For areas more south, very strong wind gusts are still possible and folks traveling across the state should use extra caution. The I-90 corridor around Livingston is included in this watch

• A HIGH WIND WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
• WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph possible.
• WHERE...Judith Gap, Southern Wheatland, Melville Foothills, and Northern Sweet Grass.
• ALSO: Beartooth Foothills and Livingston Area as early as Friday
• WHEN...From Saturday night through Sunday afternoon.
• IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.
• A few power outages are possible.
• Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.