The National Weather Service office in Great Falls kept a High Wind Warning in effect for Montana’s Madison River Valley. From noon to 6 p.m. on the 13th, south winds of 30 to 40 mph were forecast, with gusts reaching 60 mph. Motorhomes and travel trailers with broad side profiles may need to schedule their arrival outside the afternoon period when winds are expected to strengthen.
Areas Affected
The warning area includes Cameron, McAllister, Jeffers, Norris, and Ennis. It specifically identifies the Highway 287 stretch from Ennis to Norris Hill, which could directly affect RV travelers moving between west Yellowstone and Bozeman.
Forecast gusts of up to 60 mph could make it difficult to stay in a lane even during brief bursts. The National Weather Service said travel could become difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles. The current warning does not announce road closures, so actual restrictions should be checked separately through Montana 511.
Even if winds seem lighter on the valley floor, crosswinds can strengthen suddenly on exposed stretches such as Norris Hill. For vehicles towing trailers, slowing down alone does not eliminate all risk.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
The simplest option is to reach the destination before noon or wait until after 6 p.m., then check the warning and current conditions again before leaving. If steering becomes difficult or a trailer begins to sway while traveling, it may be safer to find a wide, secure parking area off the roadway and wait for winds to ease rather than stopping immediately on the shoulder.
At the campground, retract awnings and secure folding chairs, tables, shade canopies, and trash bins. Roof-mounted equipment and bike racks should also be checked again before departure. The National Weather Service advises securing items that could be blown away.
The end time for strong winds is a forecast. Do not begin towing immediately just because it is 6 p.m.; check observed wind speeds in Ennis and Norris, 511 road conditions, and whether the warning has been updated.
Source: National Weather Service High Wind Warning / National Weather Service Wind Safety Guidance / Montana 511
Photo: Matthew Lancaster / Original photo page (Unsplash License)