Montana Moderate Special Weather Statement | Effective 07/01/2026 13:23

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued July 1 at 2:23PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
July 1, 2026 - 1:23pm
Expires: 
July 1, 2026 - 2:15pm
Description: 
At 223 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 12 miles west of East Helena to near Helena to near Montana City. Movement was north at 20 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include... Helena, East Helena, Montana City, Alhambra, Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Clancy, Black Sandy State Park, and Austin.
Instruction: 
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Area Description: 
Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass; Gates of the Mountains; Helena Valley; Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains; Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains; Canyon Ferry Area
Forcast Office: 
NWS Great Falls MT