GREAT FALLS — The powerful winds that rocked most of Montana on Wednesday caused widespread damage – tipping semi trucks, toppling trees, ripping roofs, and more. The National Weather Service in Great Falls said: “This is an extreme wind event even for this area.”
The NWS said that three locations set new January wind speed records: Great Falls, 76 mph; Helena, 74 mph; Havre, 72 mph. Stronger gusts were recorded in other areas, notably along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountain Front.