Montana Moderate Special Weather Statement | Effective 07/18/2026 16:09

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:09PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
July 18, 2026 - 4:09pm
Expires: 
July 18, 2026 - 5:15pm
Description: 
At 508 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 7 miles south of Valier to 14 miles southeast of Shelby. Movement was northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 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... Shelby, Conrad, Chester, Lothair, Ledger, Devon, Dunkirk, and Galata.
Instruction: 
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. 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. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM MDT for north central Montana.
Area Description: 
Northern High Plains; Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera; Eastern Toole and Liberty; Eastern Pondera and Eastern Teton
Forcast Office: 
NWS Great Falls MT