The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 411 for portions of central and southeast Montana and north central Wyoming. This watch is effective from this Friday afternoon until evening, from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM MDT.
The primary threats identified in this watch include scattered large hail events, with isolated very large hail events up to 2.5 inches in diameter expected. Additionally, scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts up to 75 mph are possible, with the potential for a tornado or two to form.
Forecasters anticipate the development of supercells in central Montana this afternoon, with storms expected to progress eastward through the late evening hours. Large hail and strong thunderstorm outflow gusts are likely, posing a significant risk to the affected areas. Residents in the watch area are advised to stay alert for threatening weather conditions, and to listen for further updates and possible warnings.
The severe thunderstorm watch area spans approximately 115 statute miles east and west of a line from 70 miles north of Lewistown, MT to 60 miles south-southeast of Billings, MT. Aviation concerns include the potential for severe thunderstorms with hail reaching up to 2.5 inches in diameter, extreme turbulence, and surface wind gusts of up to 65 knots. Cumulonimbus clouds with maximum tops reaching 500 are also expected, with a mean storm motion vector of 27025.
It is crucial for individuals in the affected regions to remain vigilant and prepared for severe weather conditions. While severe thunderstorms can occasionally produce tornadoes, being aware of the risks and staying informed can help mitigate potential dangers.
For further updates and status reports on Severe Thunderstorm Watch 411, individuals are encouraged to visit the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center website for the most current information.
As severe weather events like these continue to impact various regions, it is essential for communities to prioritize safety measures and preparedness to minimize the potential societal and environmental impacts of such events.
References:
– NOAA Storm Prediction Center: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/ww0411.html
– NOAA Storm Prediction Center Status Reports: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/ws0411.html
