High Wind — Madison River Valley, Montana

2024-12-25 to 2024-12-26 · Madison River Valley, Montana

Event narrative

Mesonet sensor MTNOR Norris Hill (MT DOT) measured two separate stints of high sustained winds (Averaged over at least an hour) of 40 mph.

Wider weather episode

Strong cross barrier flow combined with a tightening pressure gradient allowed for a period of gusty winds along the Rocky Mountain Front Dec 26 into Dec 27. Only one sensor, a few miles east of the Rockies, ended up reaching high wind criteria. Additionally, the pressure gradient resulted in sustained high winds at Norris Hill at the northern end of the Madison River Valley.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1224665. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.