Summer Storm Sweeping Western Montana

An upper level low pressure system is expected to begin to move through western Montana and north central Idaho this afternoon.  This means  conditions are ripe for  strong to severe thunderstorms. The locations with the best potential for severe thunderstorms will be along and east of a line from Seeley Lake to Missoula to Salmon in Lemhi County. The main threat with thunderstorms in this highlighted area will be damaging winds, although hail is also possible with any storms that develop. Locations generally west of this line can expect thunderstorms this afternoon as well, however the potential for severe thunderstorms is not as high.  Any storms that form in this area will have the potential to produce heavy rain and small hail.  Thunderstorms are expected to begin to form around 2pm and will likely persist through the evening hours. For more information you can visit the latest weather updates at www.weather.gov/missoula