Shelby, Cut Bank and Browning are preparing for 80 mph gusts

Northwestern Montana will be hit by damaging winds with speeds of up to 80 miles per hour through Saturday evening. Recent snow may reduce road visibility in some areas. Power outages are also possible.

Strong winds can move loose debris, cause property damage and cause power outages. Travel may be difficult during this high wind warning. Shelby, Cut Bank, Browning and Heart Butte are all included in this warning area.

• The high wind warning remains in force from 6pm Friday evening until 6pm Saturday
• WHAT…Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 85 mph expected.
• WHERE…Eastern Glacier National Park and adjacent foothills and plains.
• ALSO INCLUDED: Eastern Glacier, Western Toole and Central Pondera Counties
• WHEN…From 6 p.m. this evening to 6 p.m. Saturday.
• EFFECTS…Strong winds can move loose debris, cause property damage and cause power outages.
• Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
• MORE DETAILS…The strongest period of wind is expected to occur from late Friday evening into the mid-morning hours of Saturday.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS MEASURES… People are encouraged to do this Secure loose items that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.
• Remember that a high wind warning means that there is at least an 80% chance of sustained winds of 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph during the warning period.

For areas of south-central Montana that already received significant snow overnight Thursday and into Friday, the winter storm warning is in effect until 3 p.m.

• The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon.
• WHAT…Occasionally snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches.
• WHERE…Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains.
• WHEN…until Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.
• EFFECTS…backcountry activities in the mountains will be difficult.