The Montana Storm Spotters

05/11/2024

05/11/2024

Northern lights from hardin

05/11/2024

Hello everyone. It's been a while. I hope all is well. I think I'm going to catch some of these northern lights. Please send yours in to show our beautiful sky. I don't have a computer anymore so I don't post as much anymore. Sorry, but I might go live here in a few. Thank you and hope to see your post. Have a great night.

05/09/2024

Update 5-8: As of 10:30 pm, the Montana Department of Transportation has opened all lanes of traffic on I90 in the Bozeman Pass. Please continue to drive safely and watch for changing road conditions at MDT’s website at https://www.511mt.net.

Bozeman Pass update: May 8 at 8 PM

The Montana Department of Transportation notified Gallatin County 911 that chains were required on the Bozeman Pass on Tuesday at 10:48 P.M.

Deteriorating road conditions throughout the night led to multiple vehicles becoming stuck, which prevented the MDT plows from being able to clear the roadway. Montana Highway Patrol had units on the pass throughout the day. The increase in traffic during the morning commute led to more vehicles becoming stuck and multiple vehicles with mechanical issues.

At noon Wednesday, given the continued blockage and the inability of MHP and MDT to clear the road, the Sheriff’s Office mobilized deputies and Search and Rescue teams to assist stranded motorists. Deputies and SAR personnel had to use ATVs to get to the vehicles to distribute food, water and fuel. It is estimated that several hundred vehicles were stranded on the pass. No injuries have been reported so far.

Currently traffic is moving east and west slowly and is experiencing intermittent stops. We anticipate somewhat normal travel in the next few hours but recognize the weather could change that.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind motorists to carry water, food, and blankets in case they become stranded. Sheriff Springer would also like to thank everyone on the roadways for their patience as workers attempt to clear the roadway.

If stranded motorists are having a medical emergency, they should call 911 and Sheriff’s Office personnel will get them the assistance they require. As the primary resources for Montana highways, MDT and MHP worked to clear the blockages, the duration and magnitude evolved into a life safety issue at which time local resources were mobilized to attend to the life safety of those stranded on the interstate.

Assisting the Montana highway resources on this event included Gallatin County Emergency Management, Fort Ellis Fire Department, Bozeman Police Department and Belgrade Police Department.

For current information on the interstate’s status, visit MDT’s website at https://www.511mt.net.

05/08/2024

Spion Kop area - NW of Geyser

05/08/2024

HAPPENING NOW: Conditions are deteriorating across parts of central Montana as a powerful spring storm brings heavy snow and blizzard conditions to the area.

Traveling tonight in these conditions would be foolish. Stay home if you can.

05/08/2024

💥BAD ROADS💥
Please avoid the Divide on 87 East due to High Winds, Snow, low visibility, and Ice/slush covered roads! Travel is extremely dangerous in this area!

05/07/2024

05/07/2024

Winter is coming…. But summer is next week 😅

05/07/2024

05/06/2024

12:10 PM MDT A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for West central Carter County in southeastern Montana... until 12:30 PM.

1 inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts possible.

05/06/2024

NEW: A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for SE Montana, SW North Dakota and Western/Central South Dakota. All hazards possible including isolated tornadoes.

05/06/2024

Deep moisture from the Gulf of Mexico is being advected north into Montana today which is aiding in the development of heavy rain. The potential for flash flooding is increasing as a persistent band of heavy rain with embedded thunderstorms wraps around a strong low pressure system in southeast Montana.

A mesoscale precipitation discussion has been issued for this area that addresses the flooding threat.
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/metwatch/metwatch_mpd_multi.php?md=0230&yr=2024

05/06/2024

Trends are being monitored for a possible severe watch for SE MT, W SD and SW ND. A threat for large hail, damaging winds and an isolated tornado remain possible this afternoon.

05/06/2024

A major severe weather outbreak is anticipated today across the central plains with a rare high risk (the highest possible risk) issued by the SPC. Numerous tornadoes are likely in Kansas and Oklahoma, some of the tornadoes may be violent/long track.

The threat of severe weather will extend north all the way up to southeast Montana today as well where a small window will exist for severe storms capable of producing all hazards including an isolated tornado.