The Day the Sky Turned Dark: Remembering the 2010 Father’s Day Tornado in Billings

If you lived in Billings back in 2010, chances are you remember exactly where you were on Father’s Day. Not because of a barbecue or a family get-together but because of the terrifying sound of roaring winds and the shocking sight of a tornado tearing through town. June 20, 2010, is a day etched into the memory of the Magic City.

Here’s a look back at what happened when an EF2 tornado touched down in Billings and reminded all of us just how powerful and unpredictable Montana’s weather can be.

A Tornado on Father’s Day? Yes!

While most people were spending the afternoon with their dads, a supercell thunderstorm was brewing over Yellowstone County. The National Weather Service had already issued a severe thunderstorm watch earlier in the day, but no one quite expected what was coming.

At about 4:24 p.m., the tornado made its appearance, touching down near Lake Elmo Drive and Main Street. Within minutes, it began carving a path of destruction through Billings Heights and headed straight toward the heart of the city.

MetraPark Takes a Direct Hit

The tornado’s most dramatic moment came when it hit the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark (now known as First Interstate Arena). This is a 10,000-seat arena we’re talking about, and the tornado ripped the roof right off. Just like that.

READ MORE: 7 Bizarre Stories That Prove Billings Is No Stranger to the Strange

In total, the damage to the arena and surrounding buildings came to nearly $27 million. Businesses were hit hard. Trees were ripped from the ground. Billboards were mangled. And debris? It was found more than a mile away.

Just 12 Minutes of Chaos

The twister was only on the ground for about 12 minutes, but it left behind a whole lot of wreckage. After damaging the Metra, it started to lose strength and eventually fizzled out. But even after the tornado dissipated, the skies weren’t done. Heavy rain and hail added to the mess, flooding parts of the Heights and hammering anything the tornado hadn’t already touched.

How Bad Was It?

Pretty bad. Damage surveys clocked the wind speeds at 120 to 135 mph, giving it an EF2 rating on the Enhanced Fujita scale. That made it the strongest tornado to hit Billings in over 50 years. Think about that: half a century without a serious tornado and then this monster shows up.

The One Silver Lining

Despite the tornado’s power and the amount of damage it caused, there were no fatalities. Some people suffered minor injuries, but considering how densely populated the area was, it’s almost unbelievable that more people weren’t hurt.

A Reminder That Mother Nature Doesn’t Mess Around

It’s been years since the 2010 Father’s Day Tornado, but the memories haven’t faded. For many in Billings, it was a wake-up call. Tornadoes might seem like something that happens “over there” in Tornado Alley, but this storm made it crystal clear that Montana isn’t immune.

Get our free mobile app

So the next time the sky turns greenish? Take it seriously. You never know when a normal Sunday could turn into one of the wildest days in local history.