Montana Moderate Special Weather Statement | Effective 07/18/2026 15:21

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 4:21PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
July 18, 2026 - 3:21pm
Expires: 
July 18, 2026 - 4:00pm
Description: 
At 420 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11 miles east of Ovando, or 28 miles north of Drummond, moving northeast at 45 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and penny 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... Lincoln, Augusta, Nilan Reservoir, and Bean Lake.
Instruction: 
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. This storm 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. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM MDT for west central Montana.
Area Description: 
Southern Rocky Mountain Front; Southern High Plains; Upper Blackfoot and MacDonald Pass; Gates of the Mountains
Forcast Office: 
NWS Great Falls MT