High Wind — Blaine, Montana

2021-11-16 · Blaine, Montana

Event narrative

Fort Belknap station measured a 63 kt (72 mph) non-thunderstorm wind gust.

Wider weather episode

Strong westerly flow continued into the middle of November over the Northern Rockies. H700 winds routinely exceeded 70 kts as surface pressure gradients assisted with mixing these winds to the surface. The strongest winds were initially observed over the Rocky Mountain Front, before expanding into the remainder of the region, when a strong Pacific trough moved through the region and a 982 mb surface low developed over the Canadian Prairies. There were many reports of structural damage, power outages, and disruptions to travel, especially along the rocky Mountain Front.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 994210. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.