“Very difficult” travel expected as Montana wind gusts hit 85 mph

National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are warning of “very difficult” travel in parts of Montana this weekend because of strong wind gusts.

Meteorologists at the NWS office in Great Falls, Montana, issued a high-wind warning on Friday morning. The warning will go into effect at 2 p.m. local time Friday and remain in place through 2 p.m. local time on Sunday.

West winds of 30 to 50 mph are expected, with gusts up to 85 mph. Stronger gusts could be equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane, in which wind strengths are measured between 74 and 95 mph.

The high-wind warning is in place for the Rocky Mountain Front and adjacent foothills and plains, as well as eastern Glacier, western Toole and central Pondera counties.

“Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines,” the warning said. “Power outages are possible. Travel could be very difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”

The warning went on to say that winds could weaken briefly during the day on Saturday before increasing.

“The strongest winds are expected to occur Saturday night,” the warning said.

NWS meteorologist Julianna Glinskas told Newsweek that higher winds are normal as winter arrives, but the winds this weekend are expected to be stronger than normal for this time of year. She said the biggest concerns with the high wind is that strong crosswinds could disrupt travel.

A high-wind watch also is in effect for other parts of Montana and Wyoming.

“High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power bumps,” the watch in Glasgow, Montana, said.

Travel impact could occur on U.S. 2 west of Shelby and U.S. 89 north of Choteau, as well as all highways and local roads in Glacier County. The biggest impact to travel are expected to occur with high-profile vehicles, such as trucks, or lightweight vehicles.

“You definitely can see trucks get blown over, or lightweight trailers,” NWS meteorologist Rob Cox previously told Newsweek. “They completely blow over.”

Toward the end of the wind event, Glinskas said, there is potential for snow in the Rocky Mountains, and she warned those traveling over mountain passes to be aware of the snowy conditions before heading out.

A winter storm warning and winter weather advisory are in place for other parts of Montana. Winter weather is expected to begin on Friday night, with up to 6 inches of snow expected.

“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” a winter storm warning issued by the Missoula, Montana, NWS office said. “Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages.”