Montana Moderate Special Weather Statement | Effective 08/16/2026 14:10

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued August 16 at 3:10PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
August 16, 2026 - 2:10pm
Expires: 
August 16, 2026 - 3:00pm
Description: 
At 310 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 17 miles north of Joplin, or 24 miles northeast of Chester, moving east at 20 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of eastern Liberty and northwestern Hill Counties.
Instruction: 
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Area Description: 
Eastern Toole and Liberty; Hill County
Forcast Office: 
NWS Great Falls MT
Sender: 
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov