Hurricane Force Winds Slammed Montana: How Billings Fared

You probably felt it today, didn't you? That low, rumbling roar that rolled across town today didn’t sound like the usual December breeze. It sounded like a full-blown freight train barreling past the front door. There were a few moments where I caught myself staring out the window, wondering if our Christmas decorations were about to go airborne. Somehow, against all odds, they held on. But my neighbors weren’t so lucky.

When a Strong Wind Turns a Quiet Street Into a Cleanup Scene

Just down the street, a beautiful birch that’s stood proud for years simply couldn’t hang on. The wind lifted it like it weighed nothing and sent it crashing right down onto my neighbor’s car in the driveway. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but seeing that tree on top of the car really drove home just how powerful the winds were today. You know it’s a wild day when you’re checking on decorations one minute and on your neighbors the next.

Billings Took a Hit, But Others Had It Worse

Here in Billings, we definitely battled some strong gusts, but compared to other spots across Montana, we got off relatively easy. Our top recorded gusts hit 59 miles per hour near Lockwood and at the Billings Airport. That’s plenty to rattle your nerves, but nothing like what happened in other parts of the state.

Big Timber Clocked Winds Gusts Equal to a Category 2 Hurricane

The strongest wind gusts in the entire state came roaring through Big Timber, where the airport clocked an unbelievable 97 miles per hour. To put that in perspective, that’s the same strength as a Category 2 hurricane. No wonder it sounded like trains were rolling through people’s neighborhoods. Sweet Grass County saw multiple locations topping 80 miles per hour, and Park County wasn’t far behind with gusts into the 90s near the Crazies.

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A Look at Some of the Big Wind Speed Numbers

The National Weather Service dropped its full report this afternoon, and it really shows how widespread and intense this wind event was. Just a few highlights from around the state:

• Big Timber Airport hit the peak with 97 miles per hour
• Quantum Creek in Carbon County wasn’t far behind at 96
• The Crazies clocked 93
• Livingston saw 82
• Nye topped out at 71
• And multiple spots across Yellowstone County hit the mid to upper 50s

Do You Remember Eating Here? Billings’ Most Missed Restaurants

Take a trip down memory lane as Billings residents share the restaurants they still miss most. From cozy diners and family favorites to iconic spots that defined a generation, these eateries may be gone, but they are never forgotten.

Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor

Faces of the Missing in Yellowstone County

Take a moment to look through the faces of Yellowstone County’s missing. Each photo represents someone loved and someone still deeply missed. If you recognize anyone or remember even the smallest detail, please contact law enforcement or the Montana Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 406-444-2800.