High Wind — Blackfoot Region, Montana

2002-08-16 · Blackfoot Region, Montana

Wider weather episode

A strong Canadian cold front brought high winds to western Montana, especially at higher elevations and exposed valley locations, mainly during the morning hours. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph were common with the strongest estimated wind speed of 80 mph near Polson. Damage resulted mainly from fallen trees and power lines. Trees fell on a house and several cars in Evergreen. Similar damage was reported in Bigfork, Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Eureka. Winds created 8 to 12 foot waves near the shore in Polson, resulting in numerous boats being damaged on the south shore of Flathead Lake. One boat came loose from its mooring and split in two sections after hitting a concrete seawall.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5313928. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.