Montana Moderate Special Weather Statement | Effective 08/18/2026 14:19

Headline: 
Special Weather Statement issued August 18 at 3:19PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
Event: 
Special Weather Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
August 18, 2026 - 2:19pm
Expires: 
August 18, 2026 - 3:00pm
Description: 
At 319 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7 miles northwest of Fort Benton, moving east at 20 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include... Fort Benton.
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: 
Western and Central Chouteau County
Forcast Office: 
NWS Great Falls MT
Sender: 
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov