Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Montana as Wyoming Outages Continue
Severe weather is developing across parts of Montana this afternoon, with Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, and a Special Weather Statement affecting communities from the Billings area to Great Falls and surrounding locations. At the same time, power outages are being reported in Washakie County and Big Horn County, Wyoming, adding another concern as thunderstorms move through the region.
Montana Faces Widespread Severe Thunderstorm Threat
The combination of severe thunderstorm warnings and a broader watch means residents should remain weather-aware and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Thunderstorms can intensify quickly, bringing damaging wind gusts, large hail, frequent lightning, torrential rainfall, and localized flooding. Even areas outside the core of a warning can experience dangerous conditions as storms develop and move.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Ballantine to Pompeys Pillar
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning includes:
- Ballantine
- Worden
- Huntley
- Shepherd
- Pompeys Pillar
Residents in and around these communities should take severe weather seriously. If a warning is issued for your location, move indoors and remain away from windows until the storm passes.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Great Falls Area
Another Severe Thunderstorm Warning includes a large portion of the Great Falls region, including:
- Great Falls
- Belt
- Black Eagle
- Raynesford
- Portage
- Sluice Boxes State Park
- Eden
- Malmstrom AFB
- Stockett
- Tracy
- First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
- Centerville
- Armington
- Ulm
- Sand Coulee
Storms in this area may produce dangerous lightning, strong winds, hail, and intense rainfall.
Outdoor activities should be postponed while thunderstorms are nearby. People at parks, campgrounds, trails, and other outdoor locations should move into substantial shelter as soon as storms approach.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Covers Western and Central Montana
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains an important part of today’s weather picture across portions of western and central Montana.
A watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms. It does not mean every location will experience severe weather.
However, residents should be prepared for additional warnings as storms develop.
What to Watch For
The most important warning signs include:
- Rapidly darkening skies
- Increasingly strong winds
- Large hail
- Frequent lightning
- Torrential rain
- Rapidly developing thunderstorms
- Severe Thunderstorm Warnings issued for nearby areas
Because storms can strengthen quickly, waiting until a warning is issued directly over your community may leave little time to seek shelter.
Special Weather Statement for Hardin and Crow Indian Reservation
A Special Weather Statement covers Hardin, Crow Agency, St. Xavier, and the Crow Indian Reservation.
Special Weather Statements are generally used to highlight weather conditions that may become hazardous but may not meet the criteria for a formal warning.
Residents should continue monitoring storms nearby, particularly if thunderstorms strengthen or begin producing stronger winds, hail, or heavy rainfall.
Wyoming Power Outages Add Another Weather Concern
Thunderstorm activity can also create infrastructure problems, including downed trees, damaged utility equipment, and temporary power outages.
Power outages are being reported in Washakie County and Big Horn County, Wyoming.
Residents experiencing an outage should treat all downed power lines as energized and stay well away from them. Do not attempt to move damaged utility equipment or approach lines that have fallen across roads, yards, or structures.
Preparing for a Thunderstorm-Related Outage
If severe weather threatens your area, take a few simple steps before conditions deteriorate:
- Charge phones and backup batteries.
- Have flashlights available.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed during an outage.
- Unplug sensitive electronics if power is unstable.
- Avoid using generators indoors or in enclosed areas.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
- Keep emergency information accessible even if cellular service becomes unreliable.
Lightning Remains a Major Threat
Lightning is dangerous even when a thunderstorm does not produce severe wind or hail.
The safest place during a thunderstorm is inside a substantial building or an enclosed hard-topped vehicle. Outdoor locations such as parks, athletic fields, campgrounds, trails, and open plains provide little protection.
If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to pose a threat.
Stay Alert as Montana Storms Evolve
Today’s weather pattern demonstrates how quickly thunderstorms can affect multiple communities across Montana. With Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in effect, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch covering portions of western and central Montana, and additional statements highlighting developing hazards, residents should continue monitoring updated weather information.
Meanwhile, the reported outages in Washakie and Big Horn counties serve as a reminder that severe thunderstorms can create impacts well beyond the storm itself.
Radar Watch HQ Final Thoughts
The threat does not end when the first warning expires. Additional thunderstorms can develop, strengthen, or move into neighboring communities.
If you are in western or central Montana, keep weather alerts enabled and know where you will shelter if a warning is issued. If you are dealing with a power outage in Washakie County or Big Horn County, prioritize safety around electrical equipment and prepare for the possibility of an extended outage.
Stay weather-aware, take warnings seriously, and seek sturdy shelter when severe thunderstorms approach.
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Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
