Thunderstorm Wind — Missoula, Montana

2023-08-22 · near Lolo, Missoula, Montana

Event narrative

Multiple car crashes were reported on Interstate-90 near Missoula as a thunderstorm with strong winds and heavy rain moved through. A wind gust of 52 mph was recorded at the Missoula International Airport, with the main core of the storm passing to the east of the airport.

Wider weather episode

The remnants of Hurricane Hilary brought deep atmospheric moisture into the Northern Rockies. A closed upper-level low pressure system provided sufficient lift for thunderstorms, with wind shear profiles favorable for organized convection.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (46.7687, -114.1095)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1122874. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.