Very Large Hail, 80 MPH Winds, Tornado Risk Brewing in Eastern Montana, NE Wyoming — SevereWX

Very Large Hail, 80 MPH Winds, Tornado Risk Brewing in Eastern Montana, NE Wyoming

Storms are gearing up along the Big Horn Mountains in eastern Montana and northeast Wyoming, with a 95% chance of a watch issuance soon. Expect supercells firing by 2-3 PM Moderate (19-20Z), packing very large hail from 2 to 3.5 inches, wind gusts exceeding 80 mph, and a couple of tornadoes possible.

A surface low and stationary front are setting the stage, with moist air north of the boundary fueling 1000-1500 J/kg of CAPE. Daytime heating is eroding the cap, and models agree on thunderstorm development along the terrain. Initial supercells could drop giant hailstones under 40-50 kt shear, with the front adding low-level spin for tornado potential.

By late afternoon into early evening, storms may merge into a bowing cluster, carving out swaths of damaging winds. Peak threats: EF1-EF2 tornadoes (85-110 mph), 75-90 mph gusts, and 2-3.5 inch hail.

This comes amid busy severe weather across the Plains and beyond, but eyes are on this rugged MT-WY corridor. Check SPC for updates as a watch looms.

Stay prepared: Know your safe spot, monitor local warnings, and have a weather radio handy. Severe weather can change fast—don't wait for the watch.