New Weather Warning Issued With Dangerous 85 mph Winds After 5 Feet of Snow
The National Weather Service issued a new weather warning for a region that was hit with over five feet of snow just last week along with a number of other states. On Wednesday, March 18 the NWS issued high wind warnings for Hawaii, Montana and Wyoming as strong gusts up to 85 miles per hour get set to strike.
"A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 MPH or gusts of 58 MPH or stronger can lead to property damage," the NWS said.
Meanwhile, a high wind warning for summits of mountainous regions like Hawaii and Montana must be at least 56 mph, with gusts over 66 mph.
Montana Expecting More Than 85 mph Winds
While Wyoming will see winds up to 65 mph and Hawaii deals with gusts up to 85 mph, Montana gets the dubious honor for strongest winds this week. Regions near Glacier National Park will see gusts over 85 mph.
"Westerly winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 75 mph expected. Winds may gust over 85 mph at times along the immediate eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountain Front," the National Weather Service said.
It also offered a warning that the high winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause isolated power outages. Meanwhile, travel could be difficult, especially for high profile or light weight vehicles.
It's the latest weather warning for Montana after the state received five feet of snow in a strong winter storm just last week.
What Are Damaging Winds?
The National Weather Service often refers to damaging winds as "straight-line" winds to differentiate the damage they cause from tornado damage.
"Strong thunderstorm winds can come from a number of different processes. Most thunderstorm winds that cause damage at the ground are a result of outflow generated by a thunderstorm downdraft," the NWS said before revealing damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph.
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