An Open Letter to Billings: When the Wind Was Wild, Kindness Took Over

Dear Billings,

Yesterday was one of those days we'll be talking about for a while. The wind was absolutely nuts. The kind of wind that made us grip the steering wheel a little tighter and shake our heads because it was just so over the top.

According to the National Weather Service in Billings, gusts hit between 60 and 80 miles an hour. It was chaotic, loud, and at times a little scary, but it also turned into something unexpectedly beautiful.

A Simple Errand That Turned Into Something Memorable

I was just trying to run a quick errand. I needed to get from the Heights to 24th Street to pick up my new glasses, and my son came along with me. Nothing out of the ordinary. But as we drove through town, it became clear this wasn’t just another trip across Billings. What we saw along the way stuck with us.

READ MORE: Weather Watch vs. Warning: What Montanans Need to Know

When the Wind Picked Up, So Did the Helping

People weren’t just dealing with the wind. They were helping. We watched drivers pull over to secure trash cans before they turned into missiles. People scooped up gutters and pieces of siding that had blown clean off homes and chased down Christmas decorations that broke free. Others chased down mailboxes that had snapped right off their posts and gone rogue down the street. Nobody hesitated; they just jumped in.

Strangers Looking Out for One Another

At Town and Country, we saw strangers helping elderly neighbors safely into their cars. And I have to give a shout-out to the gentleman who ran around collecting runaway carts and secured the cart corral next to my car, which was at risk of taking flight. That simple act saved a lot of stress and probably a dent or two. Small kindness, big impact.

First Responders and Neighbors Worked Side by Side

Firefighters were out blocking traffic and helping move downed trees and power lines. Regular people pulled over to direct traffic while others chased after dogs that got loose when yard gates flung open in the wind. There was no waiting around, no passing the buck. Just people helping people.

Teaching Kids to Serve by Example

One thing that really hit me came from a dad on one of the Billings Facebook pages. He offered his help cleaning up yard debris and fallen branches because he wanted to teach his kids about service. Sir, as a parent, I applaud you. Your children are watching you. They’re learning what it means to show up, and because of that, they’re going to grow into genuinely good humans.

Kids Being Kids, Even in the Chaos

And then there were the kids getting out of school. Arms stretched wide, faces tilted up toward the sky. Letting the wind swirl around them like it was the most exciting thing in the world. That moment made me smile. Even on a wild day, there was joy.

Even With Differences, Kindness Shines Through

We all know it’s not always perfect. There are differences, and there's friction sometimes. That’s real. But days like yesterday remind me of something important: at the heart of it, Montanans are good people. I’ve noticed that kindness breeds kindness. One small act quietly encourages another, and before you know it, it’s everywhere.

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Billings, Let’s Keep Showing Up

We’re not done yet. Check in on your neighbors. Keep an eye on the elderly, the sick, and parents juggling small children who may need an extra hand or a warm place to stay while crews work on restoring power. A quick text, a knock on the door, or simply being aware of who might need help can make all the difference. Let’s keep showing up for our community the same way we did yesterday.