Here's Where Dangerous Winds Will Blast Montana

UPDATE 11:00 AM

Authorities across Western Montana are warning residents to limit their travel to emergencies and essential trips only, as the incoming storm system pushed into the state this morning.

In Flathead County, roads have been hit with storm debris, and Highway 93 south of Somers was closed by an overturned semi. Missoula authorities also advising emergency travel only.

Sustained winds through most of the morning have ranged from 15 to 40 mph, with some higher gusts. The National Weather Service office in Missoula recorded a gust of 61 miles per hour. High elevation weather stations have record gusts of around 70.

Cut Bank recorded a gust of 84 miles per hour this morning.

Temperatures west of the Divide have fallen steadily since this morning. Missoula dropped about 10 degrees, and heavy snow showers were reported in late morning.

Original story

December 2025 is turning out to be one of the worst months for Montana wind in several years, and that's saying something in this state!

National Weather Service forecasters are still warning of damaging winds across Montana, as the second of two major cold fronts is expected to sweep across the state through Wednesday.

Meteorologists in Great Falls say wind gusts in Browning could hit 90, or even 100 miles per hour Wednesday, 85 mph or higher in Cut Bank, and between 60 and 75 miles per hour in many locations, including Great Falls.

Gusts up to 60 are expected across Northeast Montana. The Billings forecast office is warning of 70 to 80 mile an hour gusts around Livingston and Big Timber tonight and Wednesday, 60 to 70 in Central Montana, and 45-to-65 mile per hour gusts around Miles City and Baker.

💨 Western Montana winds could gust as high as 50 to 60, with even 100-mile-per-hour gusts across the high country.

READ MORE: Montana Storm Prep Tips

Dozens arrested in massive Montana drug sweep

There's always been indications of the large amount of drugs being trafficked across Montana via Interstate 90, and today there's some solid proof of the problem, with authorities say they arrested more than 4-dozen people and seized POUNDS of drugs during an operation in Mineral County.

Montana Highway Patrol announced this morning the five-day interdiction operation based in St. Regis resulted in the seizure of 28 pounds of meth and cocaine, with some fentanyl and marijuana. 51 people were arrested, with 41 of those suspects deported.

In addition to MHP, the Mineral County Sheriff's Office and Border Patrol were involved in the sweep last week, with the Air National Guard helping with surveillance.

💊 During the same time, MHP's Criminal Interdiction Team seized 14 pounds of meth during operations in Billings.

READ MORE: More than 40 Deportation Arrests

Bruce Warrington: Unsplash

Another avalanche escape

Another close call for a snowmobiler a few days ago in Cooke City. The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center says a sledder got caught in a slide and was buried under multiple feet of snow for nearly 15 minutes, but was saved by others who had the right equipment and training to get him clear.

No playoff tickets for you

If you're a season ticket holder for the Bobcats and HAVEN'T heard back from the MSU ticket office by now, it's more than likely you're on your own to find tickets, or either kickback in front of a screen for Saturday's big game.

MSU ended up canceling the Bobcat ticket pre-sale and general public sale yesterday, anticipating a complete sell-out. Season ticket holders were scheduled to find out whether they made the cut by noon today.

UM says it sold out its limited allotment of tickets by noon Monday.

Both schools are advising people who still might want tickets to the playoff showdown to check with third-party sellers to see if they can find some.