Another Impactful Weather System Ahead

From the Billings office of the National Weather System

Good morning everyone! After the strong winds in eastern Montana come to an end today, another impactful weather system is taking shape for Sunday through Monday. Below is the latest information regarding this system.

KEY POINTS

• Strong winds this morning in eastern Montana

• Potential for significant precipitation Sunday into Monday

• Precipitation Sunday into Monday could lead to localized flooding and increased flows on area waterways

• Breezy to strong winds Sunday into Monday

DETAILS

• Strong winds this morning in eastern Montana

  • Strong winds will continue over eastern Montana this morning. The most likely time of strongest winds is between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. today (May 16).

    • High Wind Warning for Fallon and Carter Counties is in effect until 1:00 this afternoon for northwest winds gusting 50 to 60 mph.

  • Winds will decrease steadily through this afternoon and evening.

• Potential for significant precipitation Sunday into Monday

  • Precipitation is expected to be rain over the lower elevations and mostly snow in the mountains.

    • Snow levels around 8,000 to 9,000 feet Sunday falling to around 6,000 to 7,000 feet Monday.

  • Thunderstorms on Sunday could cause heavy rainfall and localized flooding.

    • Flooding threat is greatest where soils are saturated or near saturated.

  • Precipitation will become lighter but more widespread on Monday.

  • During this time, there is a moderate, 30 to 60 percent chance of an inch or more of precipitation (rain and melted snow) across the area.

    • Highest totals will likely be associated with thunderstorm activity on Sunday.

  • During this time, there is also a moderate, 25 to 60 percent chance of 6 or more inches of snow over the higher elevations of the mountains.

    • Over the Beartooth Highway near the state line, there is a moderate, 45 percent chance of 6 or more inches of snow.

• Precipitation Sunday into Monday could lead to localized flooding and increased flows on area waterways

  • The flooding threat is greatest where soils are saturated or near saturated in south-central Montana and north-central Wyoming.

  • Increased flows on area waterways is likely if significant precipitation occurs.

    • Water may take a few days to move through the system and reach downstream locations.

• Breezy to strong winds Sunday into Monday

  • 30 to 50 mph southeasterly wind gusts Sunday in far eastern Montana.

  • 25 to 45 mph northwesterly wind gusts Sunday night into Monday in south-central Montana and north-central Wyoming.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For the latest forecast updates, visit weather.gov/billings.