Thunderstorm Wind in Big Horn County, Montana

Between 430pm and 530pm, a severe thunderstorm hit the Billings area, producing wind gusts up to 78 mph and causing extensive damage. The storm came from the northwest, and intensified quickly in the hour leading up to its arrival in Billings. After gusting to 76 mph at the Billings Airport, the thunderstorm went on from Billings and continued to produce gusts 70-80 mph through Crow Agency and Lame Deer before quickly weakening as it went further east. The storm fortunately missed Hardin by just a few miles, passing by just to the south of town.

Immense damage was reported across the Billings area, and likely continued to occur with the storm as it traveled through Crow Agency. Multiple power lines were downed, and many large trees were snapped or completely uprooted. A combination of both caused power outages across Billings and an assortment of damages to homes and businesses. In addition, the brief, torrential rain produced localized flash flooding across town.