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

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 7:09PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
July 18, 2026 - 6:09pm
Expires: 
July 18, 2026 - 7:00pm
Description: 
At 709 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Lothair, or 16 miles west of Chester, moving east at 25 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 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... Chester, Joplin, Lothair, and Galata.
Instruction: 
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. 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 north central Montana.
Area Description: 
Eastern Toole and Liberty
Forcast Office: 
NWS Great Falls MT